The Star of Bethlehem is the most popular Christmas Symbol. Christmas is known as Gwiazda, or "Little Star". The first star in the Christmas Eve Sky signals the end of a daylong fast of Wigilia, and celebrations begin. Before the Christmas Eve meal is served, the head of the house distributes an oplatki (peace wafer) symbolizing friendship and peace. A straw-strewn place setting is reserved for the humble Christ. Decorations include an elaborate creche and choinka (Christmas tree) decorated with straw stars,fruit, nuts, cookies and intricately painted eggs. Often, young men carry a lighted star on a pole en route to Pasterka (Shepherd's Mass) at midnight Christmas Eve.
