Christmas Eve is one of the most important holidays in Polish tradition. This is the time when we meet our loved ones, share the wafer and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Christmas. One of the characteristic elements of this celebration is the presence of 12 dishes on the Christmas Eve table . Why 12? What symbolism do individual dishes carry? The answers to these questions can be found in the long history and tradition that has been cultivated for centuries.
The history and meaning of 12 Christmas Eve dishes
The origins of the tradition of 12 Christmas Eve dishes are not fully known. However, we know that the number 12 has a deep meaning both in the Christian tradition and in folk beliefs. In Christianity, this number symbolizes the 12 apostles who accompanied Jesus at the Last Supper. It is a number 
perfection and fullness that applies to the entire annual cycle.
In folk beliefs, 12 dishes on the Christmas Eve table were supposed to provide household members with prosperity and happiness throughout the next year. In the past, the number of dishes could be odd, e.g. 7, 9 or 11, but eventually it was agreed that there should be 12 of them. This number symbolizes wealth and abundance, and also refers to 12 months of the year.
Each dish that appears on the Christmas Eve table has its own meaning and symbolism. Now let's look at what each Christmas Eve dish actually symbolizes.
The symbolism of individual Christmas Eve dishes
Depending on the region and household you live in, Christmas Eve dishes may vary. We decided to present a list of the 10 most popular Christmas Eve dishes along with their unique symbolism.
The most popular Christmas Eve dishes include:1. Red borscht with dumplings - this is one of the most important Christmas Eve dishes. The symbolism of this dish is very rich. The color red symbolizes love, mercy and the blood of Christ. The content of beets in borscht refers to beauty and longevity. The dumplings, which are traditionally filled with mushrooms, symbolize abundance and prosperity.
2. Cabbage with peas - another traditional Christmas Eve dish. Cabbage symbolizes health, abundance and fertility. However, peas, due to their seeds, are associated with wealth and abundance. It is believed that eating this dish will provide abundance throughout the next year.
3. Fish - especially carp - is an inseparable element of the Christmas Eve table . Fish symbolize abundance, prosperity and prosperity. In folk beliefs, fish were also a symbol of fertility and life. Therefore, eating fish on Christmas Eve is supposed to ensure health and prosperity for the family. 
4.Dried fruit compote - a traditional Christmas Eve dish that symbolizes abundance and prosperity. Fruits in compote represent the richness of nature and the harvest of the past year. It is believed that eating dried fruit compote will bring health and abundance next year.
5.Pierogi with cabbage and mushrooms - this is one of the most popular Christmas Eve dishes. Cabbage symbolizes health and prosperity, while mushrooms refer to the abundance and wealth of nature. Eating dumplings is supposed to bring good luck and prosperity throughout the next year.
6. Poppy seed cake - a traditional Christmas Eve dish that symbolizes health, fertility and abundance. Poppy, as an oil plant, is associated with life and strength. Eating poppy seeds is supposed to provide the family with strength and good health.
7.Vegetable salad - although it is not a traditional Christmas Eve dish in all regions of Poland, it is often served on the Christmas Eve table. The symbolism of this salad is related to the abundance of the earth's harvest. Vegetables in a salad represent abundance and health.
8. Herring - in various forms, it is present on the Christmas Eve table in many homes. The symbolism of herring is associated with humility, simplicity and sobriety, which are important values in the pre-Christmas period. Eating herring is supposed to bring peace and harmony in the family.
9.Kulebiak - a roast stuffed with meat and mushrooms, is a traditional Christmas Eve dish in some regions of Poland. The symbolism of this dish is associated with abundance and wealth. Kulebiak is also a symbol of community and family unity because it is prepared together.
10.Kutia - a traditional Christmas Eve dish that has a deep religious meaning. The ingredients of kutia are grains, honey and nuts, which symbolize fertility and abundance. Eating kutia is supposed to bring prosperity and happiness to the family in the coming year.
These 10 dishes are just some of the dishes that can be on the Christmas Eve table. Depending on the region of Poland, the list of dishes may vary, but it is important that each dish has its own meaning and symbolism. Preparing these dishes and eating them with your loved ones is not only a tradition, but also an opportunity to share joy and love during this special time of Christmas.