On December 12, we had the pleasure to spend time with our new international long-term students during the Christmas Party. Our guests tasted traditional Polish Christmas Eve dishes and they also got to know more about Polish Christmas traditions. Our special guest was Vice-Rector for Education and Internationalization, Prof. Sławomir Smyczek, Ph.D.
Christmas in Poland
Christmas is a special time in Poland. As you might know, Poland is a very religious country. Many traditions and customs originate from Christianity. Although there are some traditions that developed only in Poland and date back to the times even before Christianity.
Christmas Holidays commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The night before is called ‘Wigilia’ (eng. Eve) and the three week period prior to the Christmas celebrations is called Advent. The main part of Wigilia is a solemn, family supper, which begins with the appearance of the first star in the sky. It is the symbol of the Bethlehem Star and the rumour is that this particular star was shown to the three kings by God to guide them to the stable where Jesus Christ was born.
In a Polish home, the whole family is involved in preparation for Christmas. We cook, clean houses, buy gifts and decorate the Christmas tree - no one is left jobless. In the beginning of December, shops and streets are starting to shine and Christmas Carols and songs fill every room.
UE Katowice Christmas Party
We also celebrate this special time in schools, universities, companies and other institutions. Organization of a Christmas party is already a kind of tradition and an opportunity to sing some Christmas songs together, give each other gifts and make Christmas wishes.
This year we celebrated this Christmas time with our new international long-term students. We are very happy that we had a chance to tell them about Polish traditions related to Christmas holidays, serve Christmas Eve dishes and give them some UE Katowice gifts.
We were also visited by the International Relations team, who talked about the possibilities of international mobility within various international exchange programmes and the Bilateral Agreements. Our special guest, Vice-Rector for Education and Internationalization, Prof. Sławomir Smyczek, Ph.D., summarized the Academic Year 2019/20 and wished Merry Christmas to the academic community, especially to the international students.
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