Tallinn Christmas Market
Christmas market of Tallinn in Estonia brings to you the best medieval Christmas atmosphere in the Baltic Sea Area. This is still a relatively new2 Christmas market actually being only 7 years old this year. It has become a large, cultural as well aa social affair that berings the people of Eesti (Estonia) togetherw ith visitors from other countries as well as visitors form other cities of their own country. Crfat-art, cerasmiscs, wood carvings, glassware, and much, much more are sold in this market. traditional ornaments and decorations are sold, modern items of thesame type are available as well. Special foods and beverages are sold in the Old Town area of tallinn where this wonderful market is held from the end of November to mid-January.
"Wesolych Swiat - Season's Greetings"
Poland is a land of fascinating traditions, superstitions, and legends. Its people have always combined religion and family closeness at Christmas time. Gift giving plays only a minor role in the rituals, emphasis being placed instead on making special foods and decorations. Customs to ensure a betrothal or good harvest were a major part of rural Polish Christmas time traditions.
The highlight of Christmas in Poland is always Christmas Eve. The family watches for the first star of the night or Gwiazdka, little star, in remembrance of the Star of Bethlehem. At the moment the star appears, everyone exchanges greetings and good wishes. Families unite for the most carefully planned meal of the year, Wigilia, the Christmas supper, that is the end of a 24-hour fast. The Wigilia derives its name from the Latin word vigilare which meaning to keep watch.
The dinner table is covered with the best white tablecloth with bits of hay underneath as a reminder that Jesus was born in a manger. Custom dictates that an even number of people must be seated around the table with one place left empty for a stranger, the spirit of a deceased member of the family, the Christ child or the Holy Spirit.
By tradition, there is no meat served during Wigilia. Nonetheless, the meal is plentiful and sumptous. It begins when the head of the household breaks the Oplatek, a wafer of unleavened dough stamped with scenes of the nativity, and shares is with the family and oldentimes, the family's livestock in the barn.
An uneven number of dishes is served. An even number would eliminate any hope of an increase in wealth, children or anything else desirable.
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