We all know there should be 12 dishes on the Christmas table, but each of them means something. The symbolism of Christmas Eve dishes is not always associated with Christianity.

Symbolism of the 12 dishes of Christmas Eve

The number of dishes on the table is considerable. In the Christian faith, they were to symbolize the 12 apostles, in a more earthly sense – 12 months of the year. But once the number 12 was not symbolic at all – it was believed that an odd number of dishes will bring abundance to the house. So there were 11, 9 or 7 dishes, depending on the wealth of the hosts. And these numbers had their meaning – the number 7 referred to the days of the week, and the number 9 to the number of angelic choirs. The number 12 symbolizes vitality, abundance and happiness, but be careful – only if you try each of them.

The meaning of the brochure

The wafer we share before supper was also considered food. It is a sign of friendship, harmony and reconciliation. In the past, hosts also distributed it to animals, which was supposed to protect them from plague and bad luck. In some regions, the animal tag had a different color – red or yellow. The housewives also threw her crumbs into the well. It was supposed to ensure abundance for people who drank its water.

The symbolism of Christmas Eve soups

Depending on the region of Poland, a different soup appeared on the Christmas Eve table, and each of them was assigned a meaning by popular beliefs. And yes:

• Borscht beetroot was believed to bring longevity and beauty to those who eat it
• mushroom soup – it was believed to bring strength and vitality, and mushrooms were a symbol of the spirit world

Meaning attributed to fish

The Christmas Eve supper always had a fasting character, so the fish could not be missing, especially since it was not expensive. And each of them had a meaning. The fish is a symbol of fertility and rebirth, in the Christian faith also of resurrection. What is the symbolism of fish dishes on Christmas Eve?

• the carp is a symbol of longevity. It is also associated with the belief that keeping one’s shell will ensure abundance
• Herrings are a symbol of life and harmony

Mushroom Christmas Cabbage Symbolism

Cabbage has long been credited with providing vitality, both physical and mental. Mushrooms, on the other hand, as fruits of the forest, were considered an otherworldly dish. In the past, peasants considered them the food of ghosts, and in cabbage or cabbage dumplings they were supposed to show the connection with the world of the ancestors.

Christmas Eve dishes with poppy seeds

Poppy seeds have always been a very controversial addition to dishes. On the one hand, it symbolized abundance, and on the other, death. Consumed in large quantities, it could bring tragedy home, but its absence from the Christmas table could become the cause of misfortune. Therefore, dishes such as Koutiamaquiki or noodles with poppy seeds, it is better to try them in small quantities.

Compote of dried fruits

When drunk on Christmas Eve, it was believed to ensure longevity and protect against evil powers. Its individual ingredients had different magical effects: plums protected against evil, pears ensured abundance, apples – love, and figs – numerous offspring. Today, almost no one believes in the magical properties of dried compote, but we can be sure of its impact on health. dried fruit contain many vitamins and fibercompote of them has a great effect on digestion.

gingerbread and bread

Initially, gingerbread was present only on more affluent tables, as the spices used to bake it were quite expensive. No wonder it has become a symbol of luck, abundance and the sweetness of life. On the other hand, a much more mundane bread has more beautiful meanings. It is believed to bring abundance and is a symbol of community, of sharing with others.

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