世界文化英语阅读30篇（1）

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波兰圣诞前夜宴：午夜盛宴、桌下铺草与象征希望的十二道菜肴

At exactly midnight on December 24th, Polish families gather around tables covered with white linen and fresh hay.
Twelve meatless dishes—like pierogi with sauerkraut and dried mushroom soup—are served to honor the twelve apostles.
An extra place setting remains empty to welcome unexpected guests or remember loved ones far away.
Before eating, everyone shares a wafer called oplatek and exchanges wishes written in careful cursive.
Children listen closely as grandparents tell legends about angels visiting Polish barns on this holy night.
Candles flicker beside nativity scenes made of wood and straw, glowing softly in quiet living rooms.
Families sing carols in Polish while holding hands and swaying gently beneath paper star lanterns.
After supper, some walk to midnight Mass wearing wool scarves knitted by great-grandmothers long gone.
The scent of poppy seed rolls and baked apples fills the air as snow falls silently outside windows.
Before sleeping, everyone places a sprig of evergreen under their pillow for dreams full of peace.