In Polish tradition, celebrating Christmas has a special significance. We prepare traditional Polish dishes, and their number also has symbolic meaning. We decorate the Christmas tree; this custom came to us not from Germany itself, as is commonly believed, but from Alsace, where the brought-in tree was decorated with paper ornaments and apples. Martin Luther later “picked up” this custom. He believed that it encouraged domestic tranquillity and shared celebration. Christians also regard the Christmas tree as a symbol of the tree of paradise.
The custom that particularly reflects the celebration of Christ’s birth is singing Christmas carols. Europe is home to many beautiful songs that touch the heart and let us feel this wonderful atmosphere. Among the best known is certainly “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night”). The Austrian carol was first performed in 1818, during midnight Mass in Oberndorf bei Salzburg. It was originally a poem written by the curate Joseph Mohr. Franz Xaver Gruber later composed the music for the text. Thus a carol was created that has been translated into at least 300 languages. The Polish words were written by Piotr Maszyński in the interwar period.
We Poles also have a carolling tradition, and our carols are equally beautiful. My favourite carol, which I would like to mention, is “Lulajże, Jezuniu”. The song takes the special form of a lullaby. It is beautiful and lyrical.
This carol most probably originated in the 17th century. The first text appeared as early as 1705. Another version, published in print in Lviv, appeared in 1767. The notation of the melody dates from the 19th century, but it differs somewhat from the original.
Why is “Lulajże, Jezuniu” such a special carol? First and foremost because it inspired many outstanding artists. It was used to awaken the spirit of patriotism. This was particularly true on foreign, emigrant soil, where the lives of Poles were far from easy. Where separation from family and homeland often became unbearable.
In one of his works, Fryderyk Chopin used the motif of the carol “Lulajże, Jezuniu”. In the very middle of his Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20, a distinct motif of the carol can be heard.
Chopin drew on folk tradition, and this carol is an excellent example of that. What is more, through this melody, known to every Pole, he wanted, if only for a moment, to transport “[...] Longing souls […], To those wooded hills, to those green meadows […]”.
When nostalgia smouldered in the hearts of Polish women and men, the words of the carol brought to mind the family home, childhood years and Christmas. Truly Polish, scented with hay and gingerbread.
Let the words of the carol therefore ring out during midnight Mass and in our homes as well. May glad tidings spread with it, especially today, in a world so cruel and vile.
As we set the Christmas Eve table, let us also remember to put out a place for an unexpected guest—symbolising above all those who are no longer among us. Let us remember those who are far from their loved ones.
I wish everyone a peaceful Christmas this year, filled with family gatherings. Let us pause for a moment in the global rush towards a better future. For a moment, let us look to the past and sing together in ancient Bethlehem: “Lulajże, Jezuniu, moja perełko/Lulaj, ulubione me pieścidełko” [“Sleep, little Jesus, my pearl/Sleep, my favourite darling”].
Paweł Skiersinis
The author is a blogger and history enthusiast, particularly passionate about the history of Lower Silesia and Poland. Why Lower Silesia? As he himself says: “Why not? The most interesting history is all around us, concerning us and our ancestors.”
He adds: “I try to present history from a different perspective, in an interesting way, not in the typically textbook style, full of dry dates and facts. The articles I present concern facts that we will not find in textbooks or well-known publications. The history of Lower Silesia is undoubtedly interesting and fascinating, so it is worth devoting at least a brief moment to it from time to time.”