Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 December 1887 — Christmas in Poland. [ARTICLE]

Christmas in Poland.

In Poland, when the first star of Christmas eve appears the bell is rung to gather everyone in the dining room. The family and the servants mingle together. All are in holiday attire—the picturesque garb of the provinces—the masters in their kontoos and jupans the servants in livery and peasant attire. The heads of the household go around to all tjie assemblages and break a wafer with them. The wafers have been blessed for the occasion. Wishes of “Merry Christmas” and the evening is spent in stories of Christmas and in illustrating the scenes connected with the crucifixion. Midnight strikes. All leave the house, wrapped in furs; they get into sleighs and start for clmreh. Th‘ pasto al mass is celebrated with the finest music that the community can afford. Good nights are exchanged, then the return home and to bed.