Subcarpathian Christmas and New Year's Eve are times when magic is closer to us than ever. And although holiday habits change, most of us cannot imagine the holidays without celebrating various titles during this period, which cannot be omitted due to the risk of losing success. Holiday customs and superstitions set the rhythm and act as spiritual signposts on the path to fulfillment and harmony.
Christmas beliefs are supposed to bring happiness, love, health and prosperity for the next 12 months. Some of them are still alive in our culture, although their roots are deep in old folk beliefs, combining elements of pagan rituals with Christian symbolism. The origins of superstitions date back to pre-Christian times, when people tried to understand and influence the forces of nature, as well as to ensure their prosperity, health and fertility. explains Michał Ławniczak, a numerologist and expert in beliefs from Wrocław. With the arrival of Christianity, many of these traditions were adapted
and included in the framework of Christmas celebrations.
In many cultures, the winter solstice symbolized the rebirth of the sun and the hope for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. Celebrations and rituals were associated with protective and fertility magic, and later evolved into Christmas customs, such as fortune telling about crops or predicting the future based on animal behavior. Over time, superstitions began to take on new meanings. – says the expert. For example, the custom of placing sheaves of grain in the house referred both to ancient agrarian rituals and to the Bethlehem manger. It was also believed that Christmas Eve was a time of special activity of supernatural forces – both good and bad. In order to protect the home from demons and evil spirits, various practices were used, such as putting hay under the tablecloth Whether leaving the door open for the souls of the dead. These customs are still in force in Polish homes "just in case", even if we do not fully understand what they are about. Placing hay under the tablecloth is still supposed to bring prosperity to the household and remind them of humility. It is also believed that longer stalks pulled out from under the tablecloth predict long life.
Many Christmas superstitions have been traced to natural behaviors, for example: the behavior of pets during Christmas Eve, which were supposed to "speak with a human voice” or indicate the prosperity of the farm. It was believed that if the animals were calm that night, it would mean a good next year. Another interesting superstition related to prosperity in the coming year concerns looking for the first star, the sight of which brings fulfillment of dreams – recalls Ławniczak. The star has the power to bring answers from the universe – if only we open our hearts to its light. It is not only a biblical symbol, but also a portal opening to new possibilities. Looking at it, it is worth expressing your wish or intention for the coming year.
It was also supposed to bring happiness twelve dishes on the Christmas Eve table – this custom, although it refers to the apostles, also has pagan roots, related to the annual cycle and astrology. Each of the dishes symbolizes a month of the year, and tasting them ensures balance and abundance for the following months. The expert notes that it is worth remembering to put the so-called heart, i.e. good energy, leading to love and abundance, into the preparation of dishes.
The table is also associated with the custom of leaving a plate empty, which symbolizes the memory of those who have passed away and the readiness to welcome an unexpected guest. It was believed that openness to those in need attracts blessings.
We can't imagine Christmas Eve without the wafer.. Sharing it is more than a gesture – it is an exchange of energy and blessings. – says Lawniczak. The words spoken at this moment have extraordinary power – they can influence the fate of the person to whom they are addressed and your own life.
Let us also remember that you can't argue on Christmas Eve, because it heralds conflicts throughout the following year. To ensure harmony in the family, Christmas Eve should be full of peace, Christmas is the most family holiday of the year – Michał Ławniczak states. It is a time of visits, during which we exchange wishes and give each other presents. According to superstitions, on Christmas Eve morning we have to observe who will visit us. If a man visits us, the year will be successful, but A woman as the first guest may herald certain problems.
Christmas superstitions combine universal human needs – the desire to ensure safety, health and happiness, and to cultivate family and social traditions. This explains why they have survived and why their magic and symbolism continue to fascinate us, emphasizing the unique nature of Christmas. Many customs are based on rituals that integrate families and create an atmosphere of joy and curiosity – concludes belief expert. Christmas superstitions are an opportunity to reflect and consider how we want to shape our lives in the coming year. The most important thing is a positive attitude and the belief that what we do will bring happiness.
Michal Lawniczak – Wrocław numerologist and tarot reader. For years he has been helping his clients look deep inside themselves and decipher the secrets of the future. In his work he focuses on removing blockages and introducing positive changes in the lives of people who visit him. Permanent expert of VTV and the magazine "Nieznany Świat".
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