What are the most important and unusual customs of Polish Christmas?
There are many traditions which are local and known only in a certain region of Poland, but some customs are known all through Poland. One of the habit which is known all through Poland is sharing oplatek and good wishes with everybody present before starting Christmas supper. Another tradition states that the Christmas vigil (supper) does not start until the first star in the sky is visible. In Poland it is believed that animals can speak with the human voice during Christmas. There is an extra seat left at the Christmas table in case a stranger would knock at the door since nobody should be alone in that day. Poles also put some hay under their tablecloths. They often participate in the midnight service, sometimes a trip to the country church in the middle of winter night is a real adventure remembered at least until the next year midnight service. Januray 6th, on the Three Kings Day Poles mark their doors with K+M+B symbols which are the initials of the three kings that are believed
