Sarah Mitchell
In several European cultures, including Italians, Poles, Ukrainians, and Portuguese, it is traditional to eat fish on Christmas Eve. This tradition stems from the Catholic practice of abstaining from meat on the eve of religious feasts, such as Christmas. Although the abstinence is no longer required, some Catholics continue the tradition, often eating a meatless meal with fish as the main course. This practice is also observed during Lent, on Fridays, and on other religious days, as a form of penance and sacrifice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Religious basis | Abstaining from meat is a form of respect for the birth of Jesus and his death at Easter. |
| History | In 1917, the Codex Iuris Canonici prescribed abstinence from meat and fasting on the eve of Christmas. In 1966, the Costituzione Apostolica Paenitemini established that abstinence from meat was no longer required on Christmas Eve. |
| Cultural significance | In several European cultures, including Ukrainian, Polish, Italian, and Portuguese, Christmas Eve is marked with a traditional meatless feast that emphasizes family and food. |
| Variations | Some cultures, such as Italian-Americans, celebrate the "Feast of the Seven Fishes," a seven-course seafood meal, on Christmas Eve. |
| Symbolism | The number seven in the "Feast of the Seven Fishes" is connected to multiple Catholic symbols: seven sacraments, seven days of Creation, and seven deadly sins. |
| Modern practice | Although abstinence from meat is no longer required by the Catholic Church on Christmas Eve, some people continue the tradition, often with a focus on fish. |
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What You'll Learn
The Feast of the Seven Fishes
The tradition of eating fish on Christmas Eve has its roots in the Catholic practice of abstaining from meat on the eve of religious feasts. Although the abstinence is no longer required, some people continue with meatless traditions, primarily making fish the focus. The number seven may be linked to the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church or the seven hills of Rome, but there is no general agreement on its meaning.
The dishes served during the feast vary, but some popular options include spicy squid pasta, salt cod on crostini, shrimp cocktail, scallops wrapped in prosciutto, and baked cod with garlic mayonnaise. The grand finale is often Campari-red steamed whole lobsters with melted butter.
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Abstaining from meat
In the past, Catholics also abstained from meat on the eve of religious feasts like Christmas, and some continue this tradition today, particularly in European cultures such as Ukraine, Poland, Italy, and Portugal. The Italian-American tradition, known as the "Feast of the Seven Fishes," is a popular example of a Christmas Eve meal that focuses on fish instead of meat. This tradition dates back to the early 1900s when Italian-American families revived the Old Country's Christmas Eve custom to feel connected to their roots and celebrate the sea.
The practice of eating fish instead of meat on these days is related to the belief that meat was a luxury, especially in the ancient Mediterranean world during late winter (the time of Lent). However, today, this notion seems outdated, as seafood is often considered a luxury while meat is more affordable. It is important to note that the tradition is to abstain from meat, and one can choose to eat vegetables or other non-meat alternatives instead of fish.
The Catholic Church has also established exceptions to meat abstinence, specifying that only those between 18 and 60 years old are required to fast, while abstaining from meat begins at the age of 14. Additionally, the Second Vatican Council simplified many Catholic customs and reduced the emphasis on sin and sacrifice, which were previously quite stringent.
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The importance of traditions
Traditions are an integral part of many cultures and societies, providing a sense of continuity, community, and identity. They offer a connection to our past, our roots, and our shared history, giving us a sense of belonging and stability. Traditions, such as the Catholic practice of eating fish on Christmas Eve, are a way to honour and preserve cultural heritage, and they can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, especially during times of celebration or change.
The tradition of eating fish on Christmas Eve is observed by several European cultures, including Italians, Poles, Ukrainians, and Portuguese, among others. While the specific origins of this tradition are debated, it is believed to be related to the Catholic practice of abstaining from meat on the eve of religious feasts. In the past, this practice was observed as a form of sacrifice and reminder of Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross. Today, although abstinence from meat is no longer required by the Catholic Church, many people continue this tradition, particularly those of Italian and Polish heritage.
The "Feast of the Seven Fishes" is a popular Christmas Eve tradition among Italian-American families, consisting of a seven-course seafood meal. The number seven is significant in Catholic symbolism, representing the seven sacraments, seven days of Creation, and seven deadly sins. This tradition combines cultural and religious elements, allowing those of Italian heritage to connect with their roots while also celebrating their faith.
Traditions like these provide an opportunity for families and communities to come together, to share a meal, and to pass on cultural and religious values to the next generation. They create a sense of unity and shared identity, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity. Additionally, traditions can provide a sense of stability and comfort during times of change or uncertainty. They remind us of our roots and help us to stay grounded in our values and beliefs.
Preserving traditions is important for maintaining cultural diversity and a sense of community. They provide a link to our past and help shape our future, allowing us to honour our heritage and pass on our values, beliefs, and practices to the next generation. Traditions, such as the Catholic practice of eating fish on Christmas Eve, are a way to keep our cultural and religious roots alive, fostering a sense of connection, stability, and community.
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Christmas Eve as the main meal
In several European cultures, the main meal of Christmas occurs on Christmas Eve. Many Catholics observe this day with a traditional meatless feast, with Italians, Ukrainians, Poles and Portuguese people among those marking the eve of Jesus' birth with a special meal that emphasizes family and food.
The tradition of eating fish on Christmas Eve is said to originate from the Gospel and sacred texts, where abstaining from meat is a form of respect for the birth (and death) of Jesus. However, some sources suggest that the custom is simply a popular tradition. In 1917, the Codex Iuris Canonici prescribed abstinence from meat and fasting on the eve of Christmas, but this was later overwritten by the Costituzione Apostolica Paenitemini in 1966, which established that fasting was only necessary on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and abstinence from meat was required every Friday of the year, but no longer on Christmas Eve.
Despite this, many Catholics continue to uphold the tradition of eating fish, rather than meat, on Christmas Eve. One such tradition is the Italian-American 'Feast of the Seven Fishes', which was popularized in the early 1900s and is now considered one of the oldest Italian traditions. The number seven is connected to multiple Catholic symbols, including the seven sacraments, seven days of Creation, and seven deadly sins. The feast typically consists of seven seafood courses and is meant to help Italian-Americans feel close to their ancestral homes and celebrate the sea.
Another Christmas Eve tradition is Wigilia, observed by Polish-American Catholics. This meatless meal often includes fish as the main course, such as baked cod with garlic mayonnaise.
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The biblical significance
The practice of eating fish on Christmas Eve is rooted in the biblical tradition of abstaining from meat as a form of sacrifice and reminder of Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross. This tradition has been observed by Christians since the second century, with the practice of abstinence from meat on Fridays also stemming from this period. The practice of abstaining from meat on the eve of religious feasts, such as Christmas, was once a requirement prescribed by the Catholic Church.
In 1917, the Codex Iuris Canonici mandated abstinence from meat and fasting on the eve of Pentecost, the Assumption, All Saints' Day, and Christmas. However, in 1966, the Costituzione Apostolica Paenitemini was signed by Pope Paul VI, which lifted the requirement of abstinence from meat on Christmas Eve, mandating it only for Fridays throughout the year. Despite this change, many Catholic cultures continue to uphold the tradition of a meatless Christmas Eve, with Italians, Italian-Americans, Poles, Polish-Americans, Ukrainians, and Portuguese among those who observe this custom.
The number seven in the "Feast of the Seven Fishes" is connected to multiple Catholic symbols. According to the Roman Catholic Church, there are seven sacraments, seven days of Creation, and seven deadly sins, which are believed to be the origin of the reference to seven dishes.
The practice of eating fish instead of meat on Fridays and certain holy days is related to the biblical story of Leviathan, a gigantic sea creature representing death in Hebrew scriptures. By eating fish on these days, Christians symbolically celebrate Christ's victory over death, rendering the great monster of death into mere fish sticks on their plates.
While the tradition of eating fish on Christmas Eve is not explicitly mandated by the Catholic Church today, it holds biblical significance as a form of sacrifice, remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice, and celebration of Christ's victory over death.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is not required, some Catholics continue the tradition of abstaining from meat on Christmas Eve, with fish being the main alternative.
Eating fish instead of meat is a form of penance and commemorates Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross, which occurred on a Friday. Fish is also seen as a more common and less luxurious food.
One example of a Christmas Eve fish dish is Italian-inspired Baked Cod with Garlic Mayonnaise.
Yes, Catholics are required to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and each Friday during Lent, including Good Friday.
