Wigilia
/viˈɡi.lja/feminine
Christmas Eve in Polish is Wigilia.
Wigilia is the name for the day before Christmas Day. While the term can technically refer to any eve or vigil, in a modern context, it almost exclusively refers to the Christmas Eve celebration.
Meaning: day before Christmas Day (name)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Wigilia is a feminine noun. It takes the form Wigilii in the genitive case, which is used to show possession or when following many prepositions.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA is /viˈɡi.lja/.
When do people say it?
In Poland, Wigilia refers specifically to the traditional Christmas Eve supper. This meal is often considered more important than Christmas Day itself.
Did you know?
- Before starting the Wigilia meal, many Poles wait to see the first star appear in the night sky, mimicking the Star of Bethlehem.
- The traditional Wigilia meal is meatless, reflecting a fast that lasts until the midnight mass.
- Before the Wigilia feast begins, family members traditionally share and eat a piece of opłatek, or Christmas wafer, while exchanging personal wishes.
Examples in context
- Wigilia Bożego Narodzenia jest zwykle spokojniejsza od innych dni.Christmas Eve is usually quieter than other days.This sentence uses Wigilia to compare the atmosphere of Christmas Eve to other days.Tatoeba #6159912 by arie, translation #6151943 by carlosalberto
- Spędzasz Wigilię ze swoimi przyjaciółmi?Are you spending Christmas Eve with your friends?
- Wigilia to dla mnie wyjątkowy czas.Christmas Eve is a special time for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “Christmas eve” translations and entries Wigilia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
