The Best Gifts for Boże Narodzenie (drugi dzień) (Christmas (Day 2))
Boże Narodzenie (drugi dzień) (Christmas (Day 2)) is a special holiday that can be make more memorable with a well thought out gift. We have come up with some unique ideas for gifts for Boże Narodzenie (drugi dzień) (Christmas (Day 2)) along with ways of making the holiday really unique and memorable.
What Is Boże Narodzenie (drugi dzień) (Christmas (Day 2))
Boże Narodzenie (drugi dzień), also known as Christmas (Day 2) or Second Day of Christmas, is a public holiday celebrated in Poland and some other parts of Europe on December 26th, the day following Christmas Day. This holiday is a continuation of the Christmas festivities and is marked by various traditions, family gatherings, and religious observances.
In Poland, the Second Day of Christmas is known as “Święto Szczepana” or “Dzień Świętego Szczepana,” which translates to “Feast of Saint Stephen” or “Saint Stephen’s Day.” This day commemorates the martyrdom of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who was stoned to death for his faith.
One of the main traditions on this day is the blessing of homes and families. A priest or a group of carolers, known as “kolędnicy,” visit homes singing Christmas carols and offering blessings to the residents. They often carry a star or an image of the Three Kings on a long pole, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem that guided the wise men to the newborn Jesus.
Families typically gather for a special meal on the Second Day of Christmas, often consisting of traditional Polish dishes such as bigos (a stew made with sauerkraut, meat, and various vegetables), pierogi (dumplings filled with meat, cheese, or sauerkraut), and kutia (a sweet grain pudding). Additionally, many families exchange gifts on this day, continuing the gift-giving tradition from Christmas Day.
Church services and special prayers are also held on the Second Day of Christmas, honoring Saint Stephen and seeking blessings for the coming year. Some communities organize processions or pilgrimages to local churches or shrines, carrying religious banners and singing hymns.
In some regions, there are also folk traditions and customs associated with the Second Day of Christmas. For example, in some parts of Poland, people may engage in fortune-telling or divination practices, believing that the events or signs observed on this day can provide insights into their future.
Overall, the Second Day of Christmas in Poland and other parts of Europe is a time for families, friends, and communities to come together, celebrate the continuation of the Christmas season, and honor the memory of Saint Stephen while also looking forward to the new year with hope and blessings.
Best Gifts For Boże Narodzenie (drugi dzień) (Christmas (Day 2))
In Poland, the second day of Christmas, known as the Święto Szczepana, is observed with gift-giving and family festivities. Traditionally, people exchange symbolic presents that hold cultural significance and reflect the spirit of the season.
One common gift is the “Szopka,” an intricate nativity scene handcrafted from wood, straw, and other natural materials. These elaborate structures depict the birth of Jesus and are often passed down from generation to generation, symbolizing the continuity of Polish tradition.
Another popular gift is the “świeca kolędowa,” a tall, white candle decorated with colorful ribbons and ornaments. This candle is lit on Christmas Eve and remains burning throughout the holiday season, representing the light of Christ and the guiding spirit of the holiday.
Children eagerly await the “podarki,” small gifts hidden in their shoes or stockings. These presents may include treats like chocolate coins, candy canes, or small toys, bringing joy and excitement to the little ones.
In some regions of Poland, a special gift known as the “gwiazdka” or “choinka” is given to children. This is a decorated Christmas tree, often made of wood or metal, adorned with ornaments, lights, and a shining star at its peak. The tree symbolizes the spirit of Christmas and the hope and renewal it brings.
Gifts of handmade crafts and traditional Polish delicacies are also exchanged among loved ones. These heartfelt presents embody the warmth and creativity of the Polish people and strengthen the bonds of family and community.
As the second day of Christmas draws to a close, families gather around the table for a feast featuring traditional dishes like “bigos” (stew made from sauerkraut and meat), “pierogi” (dumplings filled with cheese, potatoes, or meat), and “makowiec” (poppy seed cake). These culinary delights are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a symbol of unity and togetherness during the holiday season.
How To Make Boże Narodzenie (drugi dzień) (Christmas (Day 2)) More Memorable
Celebrating Boże Narodzenie (Drugi Dzień), also known as Christmas (Day 2), can be made special and memorable by incorporating the rich traditions, heartwarming customs, and unique gift-giving practices associated with this joyous occasion.
In Poland, the festivities continue with the tradition of “kolędowanie,” where groups of carolers go from house to house, spreading holiday cheer and singing traditional Polish Christmas carols. Families gather around the Christmas tree, exchanging thoughtful gifts that often include practical items, handmade crafts, or symbolic ornaments.
In Ukraine, the second day of Christmas is marked by the ritual of “sviatochne vorozhinnya,” a form of fortune-telling practiced by unmarried women eager to know their future. They engage in various divination rituals, hoping to gain insights into their love life and destiny. As for gift-giving, traditional Ukrainian presents range from embroidered clothing and pottery to elaborately decorated candles and intricately painted eggs.
In Lithuania, the focus on family and community is amplified on the second day of Christmas. Relatives and friends gather for elaborate feasts featuring traditional dishes like kugelis (a savory potato pudding) and šaltibarsščiai (a cold beet soup). Gift-giving is often centered around practical items, such as warm clothing, household goods, or tools, reflecting the value of practicality and functionality in Lithuanian culture.
In Slovakia, the second day of Christmas is known as “Štefan,” and it is associated with the tradition of “Štefana,” wherein young men and boys go from house to house, carrying a star-shaped ornament attached to a pole. They sing carols and receive small gifts or treats in return. This custom is believed to bring good luck and blessings to the households they visit.
When it comes to gift-giving, Slovaks often exchange items that symbolize good fortune, health, and prosperity. These gifts may include handcrafted wooden items, traditional Slovak pottery, or even small livestock like piglets or chickens, representing wealth and fertility.
As Christmas (Day 2) is celebrated around the world, each country brings its unique traditions and customs to the forefront, making it a truly diverse and enchanting holiday. Whether it’s the heartfelt caroling in Poland, the fortune-telling rituals in Ukraine, the elaborate feasts in Lithuania, or the Štefan tradition in Slovakia, the second day of Christmas is a time to cherish the bonds of family, community, and the spirit of giving.