Ethan Walker
Abstinence from meat, dairy, and eggs during religious holidays has been a tradition for centuries in many religions. In Christianity, during Lent (40 days before Easter) and Advent (40 days before Christmas), parishioners were forbidden to consume animal products. While fasting and abstinence are closely related, they are distinct spiritual practices. Fasting refers to restrictions on food quantity and consumption timing, while abstinence refers to avoiding particular foods. Abstinence from meat is one of the oldest Christian traditions, dating back to the earliest days of the Church.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What | Abstaining from meat, dairy, and eggs |
| When | Advent (40 days before Christmas) |
| Who | Catholics |
| Why | To practice self-discipline and make the eventual Christmas celebration feel more special |
| History | This practice is rooted in the Bible narrative (Genesis 2:16-17) and has been a tradition for centuries |
| Exceptions | Members of the autonomous Eastern Catholic Churches are obliged to follow the discipline of their own particular church |
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What You'll Learn
- Advent is a time of simplicity and restraint, focusing on the spiritual over the material
- Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays, including during Lent
- Abstinence is a form of asceticism, or self-denial, to grow in holiness
- Meat, fish, milk, cheese, butter, eggs, and oil are forbidden during Lent
- In Eastern Christianity, there is a fast period before Christmas called Philip's Fast
Advent is a time of simplicity and restraint, focusing on the spiritual over the material
Abstaining from meat, dairy, and eggs during religious holidays has been a tradition for centuries in many religions, including Christianity. In the Christian tradition, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and during this period, Christians were forbidden to consume animal flesh, as well as dairy, cheese, and eggs. This practice is known as a "Black Fast".
In the Catholic Church, fasting and abstinence from meat are observed at various times throughout the year. While fasting refers to reducing the quantity of food consumed, abstinence refers to refraining from specific foods, such as meat. Abstinence is a form of asceticism, or self-denial, practiced to grow in holiness and honor the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.
Historically, Catholics were required to abstain from meat every Friday, including during Advent, as a form of penance for the death of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. While the rules have been relaxed in recent times, many Catholics still choose to abstain from meat on Fridays during Advent and throughout the year as a spiritual discipline. This practice aligns with the spirit of intentionality and self-discipline that Advent invites.
By abstaining from meat, Catholics can make room for something deeper and cultivate a mindset of joyful anticipation for the coming of Christmas. This restraint reminds us that celebration is amplified when it follows a period of simplicity and restraint. Thus, Advent is a time to reflect, simplify, and prepare, not just for Christmas but also for a more mindful and intentional way of living.
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Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays, including during Lent
Abstinence from meat is one of the oldest traditions in Christianity, dating back to the earliest days of the Church. In the past, Catholics were required to abstain from meat every Friday of the year, as a form of penance in honour of the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross on Good Friday. However, the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays has changed over time, with many Catholics today not realising that the Church still recommends this practice.
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, abstinence from meat is required for Catholics aged 14 and older, and there is no upper age limit. Catholics who are unable to abstain from meat on Fridays outside of Lent are encouraged to substitute another form of penance. This can include simple meatless meals such as pancakes, waffles, soup, macaroni and cheese, or fish.
During Lent, the season of spiritual preparation for Easter, Catholics are called to practice self-discipline and fasting in addition to abstaining from meat on Fridays. This includes Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which are considered days of obligatory fasting and abstinence. In 2025, Ash Wednesday fell on March 5, and Good Friday on April 18.
While the tradition of abstaining from meat during Advent, the 40 days before Christmas, has softened in Western Christianity, some Catholics continue to observe this practice as a form of self-discipline and spiritual preparation for the holiday season. Historically, Advent was a time of simplicity and restraint, emphasising prayer and reflection, rather than treats and indulgence.
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Abstinence is a form of asceticism, or self-denial, to grow in holiness
The Catholic Church observes the disciplines of fasting and abstinence (from meat) at various times each year. Fasting refers to restrictions on the quantity of food consumed and when it is consumed, while abstinence refers to the avoidance of particular foods, such as meat. Abstinence from meat on Fridays is one of the oldest Christian traditions, dating back to the first century when the day of the crucifixion was observed as a day of abstaining from flesh meat.
Today, the Catholic Church teaches that all people are obliged to perform some penance for their sins, and these acts of penance can be both personal and corporeal. Abstaining from meat is a form of penance in honour of the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross on Good Friday. While the rules around fasting and abstinence have become more relaxed in recent times, the practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays continues to be recommended by the Church. Catholics over the age of 14 are required to abstain from meat and foods made with meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent. Additionally, some Catholics choose to abstain from meat on all Fridays of the year or substitute another form of penance.
Abstinence during Advent, the 40 days before Christmas, has also been a tradition in Christianity. Historically, Advent was a time of simplicity and restraint, emphasising prayer, reflection, and a focus on the spiritual over the material. While few churches today call for fasting during Advent, some individuals may choose to incorporate a form of Advent fast, such as giving up indulgences like wine, chocolate, or sugar in the weeks leading up to Christmas. This practice aligns with the spirit of intentionality and self-discipline that Advent invites.
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Meat, fish, milk, cheese, butter, eggs, and oil are forbidden during Lent
In the Catholic Church, fasting and abstinence are observed at various times throughout the year. Fasting refers to reducing one's food intake, while abstinence refers to refraining from specific foods. Abstinence from meat is the most common form of abstinence.
Historically, Catholics were required to abstain from meat every Friday, as a form of penance honouring the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross on Good Friday. However, the practice of abstinence has softened in recent times, and today, Catholics are only required to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays during Lent.
During Lent, Catholics over the age of 14 are required to abstain from meat and foods made with meat. This includes meat from warm-blooded land animals and birds. In addition, Pope Gregory I decreed that Catholics should also abstain from "flesh meat and from all things that come from flesh, as milk, cheese, eggs, butter, broth, and meat sauces like gravy, often referred to as "white meats." These standards lasted for a thousand years and formed the liturgical lives of Catholics.
While fish is generally allowed during abstinence, some Catholics choose to abstain from all animal products during Lent. This practice is more common during the period of contemplation and contrition leading up to Easter and Christmas.
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In Eastern Christianity, there is a fast period before Christmas called Philip's Fast
In Eastern Christianity, there is a period of fasting before Christmas called Philip's Fast or the Nativity Fast. It is a spiritual practice observed in Eastern Christian churches, including Eastern Catholic Churches and Eastern Orthodox Churches. The fast is a time of spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ, with an emphasis on reflecting on the mystery of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.
Philip's Fast begins the day after the feast of St. Philip on the Eastern Catholic liturgical calendar, which is November 15 in the Eastern calendar. It runs through Christmas Eve, December 24, lasting a total of 40 days, mirroring the duration of Lent. The fast is considered fairly strict and typically includes abstinence from meat, eggs, and dairy products on all weekdays, as well as fish, oil, and wine on most days. However, specific practices may vary, and on some days, only meat, dairy, and (in some countries) oil are avoided. During the last week before Christmas, abstinence from meat, dairy, eggs, and oil is typically observed on all days, with meals being moderate in quantity.
The practice of fasting is viewed as a form of repentance and a means to support spiritual transformation in Eastern Christianity. It is believed that by controlling bodily desires through fasting, individuals can also gain control over other passions and orient themselves towards spiritual needs. This discipline of fasting is often accompanied by prayer, repentance, and almsgiving, which is considered equally important.
While the specifics of the fast may vary among different Eastern Churches, the overall focus remains on spiritual preparation and drawing closer to Christ through self-discipline and reflection.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Catholics abstain from meat on Wednesdays during Advent.
Abstinence is a form of asceticism, or self-denial, to grow in holiness. It is a way to practice self-discipline and make the eventual celebration feel more special.
Historically, Advent was a time of simplicity and restraint, emphasizing prayer and reflection. The practice of abstinence during Advent is rooted in the belief that celebration is sweeter after a period of restraint.
The rules for abstinence during Advent vary depending on the region and specific Catholic Church. In some countries, Catholics are required to abstain from meat, dairy, and eggs during Advent. In other regions, such as the United States, Catholics may choose to substitute another penance that is meaningful to them instead of abstaining from meat.
Some meatless meal options include pancakes, waffles, soup and rolls, macaroni and cheese, fried egg sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cheese pizza.
