People from both Poland and Norway love to prepare for Christmas. On 13 November, Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo opens up for Polish Christmas preparations in Norway.
Polish people is the largest group of immigrants to Norway, and they have brought their Christmas traditions with them. With great assistance from Polish families, Norsk Folkemuseum presents how Polish Christmas preparations are done in Norway. An important object will be a “szopka” inspired by a Norwegian Stave Church. The szopka is the typical Polish Nativity Scene.
Activities for children
Children can join the gingerbread baking or a workshop of Norwegian and Polish Christmas ornaments from paper. A Christmas tree is decorated according to Polish traditions. There will be Christmas tunes and tasting of Polish Christmas specialties.
The Szopka
While the traditional szopka is inspired by Kraków’s magnificent architecture, the szopka at Norsk Folkemuseum is modelled after the museum’s most renowned building, the Stave Church from Gol. The szopka is made in Kraków by the artist Andrzej Majewski and brought to its new home at the museum. It will be unveiled on 13 November by representatives from the Polish Embassy in Norway.
Source: Norsk Folkemuseum / Norway Today