STERLING HEIGHTS– Polish Holiday traditions were shared by the Wayne State University’s Polish Culture Club at the American Polish Century Club, Wigilia dinner recently. The event was coordinated by WSU students and club president, sophomore Emily Collette did the welcome. At the reception table she was ably assisted by senior Abby Brzezinski.
Throughout the room, the spirit of a Polish Christmas was shared by students, faculty, family and friends.
Before the traditional Christmas Eve meal was served, welcoming remarks were made by Dr. Donald Hasse and Dr. Elena Past, representing the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Classical and Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, respectively. Club faculty advisor, Dr. Alina Klin, explained the tradition of Opłatki and got the dinner attendees in full festive mode. She explained the sharing of wafers and extended best wishes for the New Year. Dr. Klin said, “We have hosted past Wigilia holiday celebrations before, but I am happy for such a strong turnout for our first ever Wayne State University Polish Culture Club Christmas event.”
WSU Polish Club secretary, Nicole Beller, spoke about the traditional Wigilia meatless dishes and courses served. She also emphasized folklore traditions. Desserts were a highlight and included kolachki (small delicate folded apricot pastries), chrusciki (angel wings) and makowiec (poppy seed rolls).
About 130 attended and were entertained by the American Polish Century Club Choir and Zakopane Polish Folk Dance Ensemble. Accompanying the American Polish Century Club Choir was violinist, Irene Reszczyk, who just turned 94. A retired educator from Copernicus Middle School in Hamtramck, Michigan, she was the first woman to become a member of the Wayne State Marching Band in 1939.
The evening concluded with singing Christmas kolędy and the dancing of the Polonaise.