The tradition of leaving an empty seat at the Christmas Eve table, well-known in Polish culture, has a rich history and deep meaning. As explained by Professor Henryk Duda, a linguist from the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, this seat originally symbolized readiness to welcome a stranger, traveler, or wanderer—someone in need of support and hospitality.
From Stranger to Expected Guest
In the Middle Ages, the word “guest” referred to a stranger or wanderer. Over time, its meaning evolved, acquiring positive connotations and becoming a term for someone expected and close. This linguistic shift is exemplified in the 16th-century Bible translation by Father Jakub Wujek, where Christ says: “I was a guest, and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35). Modern translations refer to a stranger, which better reflects the meaning of the original Greek word “ksénos,” denoting a foreigner or outsider.
The Polish word “gość” has ancient Indo-European roots, with equivalents in other languages such as the English “guest” or the German “Gast.” Interestingly, the Latin “hostis” originally meant stranger but eventually came to mean enemy. According to Professor Duda, this difference stems from contrasting attitudes toward outsiders in ancient cultures. Slavs treated them as individuals worthy of welcome, as reflected in the proverb, “A guest in the house is God in the house.”
The Evolution of Meaning and Its Contemporary Relevance
The history of the word “guest” is an example of enantiosemy—a phenomenon where a single word develops opposing meanings. Just as “fresh” in English can imply both “new” and “healthy,” “guest” initially referred to a stranger but now describes someone anticipated.
The tradition of the empty seat at the Christmas Eve table serves as a reminder of this older meaning. It is a gesture of openness and readiness to assist someone in need. In the context of contemporary challenges, such as migration and rising xenophobia, this symbol holds particular importance. As Professor Duda emphasizes, the empty plate at the table is a call to overcome prejudice and show solidarity with those seeking shelter and support.
A Universal Dimension of Polish Tradition
For the Polish diaspora abroad, the empty seat may carry special significance. It is not only a gesture connecting to Polish tradition but also an expression of willingness to build intercultural bridges. It reminds us that the idea of hospitality, deeply rooted in Polish culture, can become a universal message of openness and compassion for all.
photo. Mirek Krajewski_Family News Service
Family News Service