Christmas Traditions
from Poland

The Book of History, London, 1912, Volume VIII, pages 3234 & 3235

The Christmas Star
"At the Christmas season the Polish peasants go round the village, carrying a huge lighted star, symbolising the Star of Bethlehem. Three boys impersonate the three kings of the East, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. They also carry a little puppet-show, in which the drama of the Nativity and other Scripture incidents are performed."
The Stork as Caron Singer
"In commemoration of the legend that tells how the birds and beasts of the field came to worship the Infant Jesus, the young Polish peasants dress up as various creatures, such as the stork and the bear, and go round the houses singing traditional carols. They are paid with gifts of cakes and sausages. The ceremony is practiced also during the Carnival."

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