In Polish Christmas tradition, the Christmas Eve supper is called Wigilia.
The meal is held on 24 December, before or around the appearance of the first star. The name comes from the Latin vigil, meaning a watch or vigil, reflecting the evening’s place before Christmas Day.
Wigilia traditionally begins with the breaking and sharing of opłatek, a thin wafer embossed with religious images. Family members exchange good wishes, and the meal commonly includes meatless dishes such as carp, herring, barszcz with uszka, pierogi, and a poppy-seed dessert. Customs vary between regions and families, so there is no single compulsory menu.
Wigilia is sometimes confused with the entire Polish Christmas season, but it specifically refers to Christmas Eve observance, especially the supper. The word may also be used more broadly for the evening’s customs, including gift-giving and attending Midnight Mass. The meal’s timing and first-star custom are separate traditions, although they are often practiced together.