With the powerful sounds of this 18th century Polish carol, the city of Gdansk celebrated its annual Christmas Eve Vigil for residents.
Photo: Grzegorz Mehring
Even as I approached the historic Golden Gate to our main street -- Dluga (Long St.) -- I was enshrouded in the spirit of Christmas 2015. People walking around the Old Town were in a solemn mood, showing kindness and open respect to one another. Prior to 4 p.m, when it became darker, the residents and guests were greeted by the procession of stilted angels, carolers and townspeople in ancient costumes, which led everyone to the main square -- to the tallest Christmas tree in the city.
The Gdansk Vigil has been held for over 20 years on the Sunday before Christmas. Every year, a long, white cloth table awaits residents, with symbolic elements of the Polish Christmas Eve: hay for good luck and a white wafer -- a Christian reminder of the Body of Christ. 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. The wafer also symbolizes forgiveness and reconciliation.
This year, a new element appeared: Gdansk citizens spontaneously placed huge loaves of freshly baked bread on the tables for breaking and offering a wish as well as sharing with a neighbor in need.
Wishes for city residents and its guests were offered by a representative of the Church, Father Ireneusz Bradtke, pastor of St. Mary's Basilica. He was joined by President of the Gdansk City Council -- Bogdan Oleszek.
As a city Mayor, I wished the residents peaceful and restful Christmas time with their families and friends. This year I concentrated a bit more on the need to think equally warm about the strangers, poor, homeless and those in prisons. We must never let them feel inferior and should assure them they are loved and held in our hearts.
A wonderful setting for the ceremony was provided by artists and cultural organizers from the Gdansk Club "Plama," and Mary, Joseph and the Infant. The Gdansk Townspeople Choir sang beautiful Christmas carols. Monika Kazmierczak played the carillon in the Main Town Hall.
Late into a warm evening the stage, next to the Christmas tree, was occupied by young carolers. Nearby was a table with pastries and hot tea for all -- a huge queue for nearly a hundred people. Everybody was in a great mood.
And the word became flesh and dwelt among us...