Name days

Besides birthdays, the Polish celebrate name days ("imieniny"). There has been a time that name days were more popular than birthdays, with bigger celebrations.
Nowadays the birthdays have gained popularity as well, but still many folks celebrate bigger on their respective name day.

There is no such thing in the Netherlands. I knew about it because I worked with many Eastern Europeans in the past. 

Imieniny

"Imieniny" involves the gathering and socialising of friends and family at the celebrant's home, as well as giving gifts and flowers at home and elsewhere, like at the workplace. Calendars here often contain the names celebrated on a given day. If a name is celebrated on more than one day, it is customary to choose the first day after the birthday.

So for example my name. Wincenty being the Polish equivalent:

I celebrate my birthday on the 7th of March. The next possible nameday already is one day after on the 8th.
In fact I know more people who have their birthday and nameday on two consecutive days. So if you would not like it you could pick another date listed. It can be a bit tricky these custom chosen name day dates, you might be too late or early congratulating someone.

Polish legend Ferdek Kiepski also has troubles remembering name days

History
The Name Day has its history in the Polish tradition of naming children after Saints. The importance of the Saints and their Feast Days (the date that the Saint was cannonized) resulted in many parents looking to the local priest or to the Roman Calendar to name their children. They typically chose the name of a Saint that had a Feast Day close to the birth or baptismal date of their child.

Originally the day was for honoring one’s patron saint. But in modern times it is generally a time for parties and gift giving. But it still retains its importance. You should never forget a Name Day. And never forget a gift. A gift, however small, is appropriate.

You will return home with a full stomach, that's for sure!

Opłatki

Christmas wafer (opłatek, plural opłatki)
A Christmas tradition celebrated during Wigilia (Vigil) on Christmas Eve.

 Opłatek

What are they?
The unleavened wafers are baked from pure wheat flour and water, are usually rectangular in shape and very thin; they are identical in composition to the altar bread used in the Catholic Church.

From a few days before Christmas, you can also buy opłatki on the street, this photo I took at the Metro station in the center.

Family
Before partaking of the Christmas Eve meal, the family gathers around the table. The eldest member holds a large wafer and breaks off a piece to begin the ritual. The remaining wafer is passed on to another member while a prayer for loved ones is said. This continues until everyone at the table has a piece of the wafer. Finally, the family members consume their share quietly.

History
The breaking of the Christmas wafer is a custom that began in Poland in the 10th century and is practiced by people of Polish ancestry around the world. It is considered the most ancient and beloved of Polish traditions.

Where?
In Poland and some parts of Central Europe, these Christmas wafers are dyed and used as ornaments. They are also sent as small trinkets with greeting cards to loved ones who are away from home.

Symbol
They are identical in composition to the altar bread that becomes the Eucharist at the consecration during Mass in Catholic Church. Being only a reminder of the Body of Christ used in private homes, Opłatki lack sanctification by a priest or bishop.
Opłatki also symbolize the unity of the family, the main pillar of society. They also symbolize forgiveness and reconciliation.


All in all a very nice family tradition, I participated for the first time a few days ago. Another Polish tradition under my belt!

It's too late to wish you a Merry Christmas, so let me wish you and your families a happy new year, in good health.