The most important moment and the climax of the Christmas Eve supper in Poland is the breaking of the wafer. The act of breaking the wafer comes after

the Gospel reading about the birth of Christ and after everyone has exchanged good wishes for the coming year. This tradition has been observed since the first century of Christianity. The Christmas Eve supper is based on the feast of the first Christians, organised in remembrance of the Last Supper. The breaking of the wafer also represents mutual sacrifice and teaches us that we should share everything - even our last scrap of bread. People exchange wishes of well-being and put any past grievances to rest.

translated by: Sonia Clough