The tradition of eating fish on Christmas Eve comes from the Roman Catholic practice of not eating dairy or meat on the eve of some holidays, including Christmas. And the number seven is a symbol that’s repeated many times throughout the Bible – and in Catholicism, there are seven sacraments and deadly sins.
Is the Feast of the Seven Fishes biblical?
The origins of the seven fish are not very clear. There are several Biblical references; the most repeated number in the Bible (over 700 times), seven days of creation, seven sacraments, seven deadly sins, etc… that give credibility to this exact numbering. For many families, seven fish dishes are just the start.
When did the Feast of the Seven Fishes began?
Also, according to the Roman Catholic Church, seven are the sacraments, the days of the Creation, as well as the deadly sins. Hence seven courses! Flash forward to the early 1900s, when the official “Feast of the Seven Fishes” first emerged.
Why do Sicilian have 7 Fishes on Christmas?
The seven fish dishes refer to the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic church, or the seven days it took God to make the Universe, or the seven virtues, or the seven deadly sins. Some Italians celebrate with 13 dishes for the 12 apostles plus Jesus.
Where did the tradition of the seven fishes come from? – Related Questions
Why does Italy not eat meat on Christmas Eve?
Catholic tradition prohibits the consumption of meat on the evenings before religious holidays. Most Italians, therefore, eat a fishy feast on Christmas Eve, one so abundant that the lack of animal flesh is hardly noticed.
Do all Italians do the 7 fishes?
The meal includes seven or more fishes that are considered traditional. “Seven fishes” as a fixed concept or name is unknown in Italy itself. In some Italian-American families as well, there is no count of the number of fish dishes.
What are the 7 traditional fishes Christmas Eve Italian?
The Traditional Seafood Dishes In The Feast Of The Seven Fishes
- Baked Clams. There definitely must be a few snack-sized, appetizer-type dishes in this feast, and baked clams are the ideal entry point into the seafood extravaganza.
- Fried Smelts.
- Baccalá
- Scungilli.
- Mussels.
- Calamari.
- Lobster.
Do Sicilians celebrate Feast of Seven Fishes?
Merry Christmas! For many in The States, tradition is to observe Christmas Eve with “The Feast of the Seven Fishes,” however, this is not Italian or Sicilian at all, it is an Italian-American tradition!
Is the Feast of Seven Fishes Catholic?
The number seven stems from the biblical importance of the number and its lucky connotation. While many of these symbols are taken from Catholicism and Italian tradition, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is virtually unheard of in Italy and instead is considered an Italian-American tradition.
Is the Feast of Seven Fishes Italian or Italian-American?
The Feast of the Seven Fishes (AKA La Vigilia) is an Italian-American tradition in which families and friends gather on Christmas Eve to enjoy seven varied dishes of fish and seafood.
Are Catholics allowed to eat meat on Christmas Eve?
While most believe it to be a religious obligation, giving up meat on Christmas Eve is actually more a popular custom. The Catholic Church specifies the days on which meat is to be avoided (seafood doesn’t count as meat), but it doesn’t include the day before Christmas (unless it falls on a Friday).
When did the Catholic Church start no meat on Fridays?
Up until 1966 Church law prohibited meat on all Fridays throughout the entire year. The new law was promulgated in 1983 in the revised Code of Canon Law which states, “Abstinence [is] to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on the Friday of the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Canon 1251).
Why do Italians not eat meat on Fridays?
If you are an Italian Catholic, you know that having meat on Fridays NEVER happens. However, do you know why? Jesus died on a Friday, so abstaining from consuming meat became a way of honoring His sacrifice.
Who eats pork on Christmas Eve?
Danes generally eat duck or pork at Christmas (and their celebrations take place mainly on Christmas Eve, rather than December 25th). Denmark’s tradition of eating pork is connected to the Scandinavian country’s history as an agricultural society in the 19th century.
What does black eyed peas and cabbage mean for New Years?
Greens – (collards, mustard or turnip greens, cabbage, etc.) symbolize the green of “dollar bills,” and will ensure you have a financially prosperous New Year. Black-eyed peas symbolize “coins,” and point to monetary gain.
What is most eaten on Christmas?
Traditional Christmas dinner features turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables. Other types of poultry, roast beef, or ham, are also used. Pumpkin or apple pie, raisin pudding, Christmas pudding, or fruitcake are staples for dessert.
Who eat Chinese food on Christmas?
There’s a longstanding tradition of Jewish families in Canada and the U.S. going out to eat Chinese food on Dec. 25. The custom dates back to at least 1935, when the New York Times mentioned a Chinese restaurant owner bringing chow mein to a New Jersey Jewish children’s home on Christmas Day.
Why do Jews eat so much Chinese food?
Chinese food and kosher law
Chinese food allowed Jews to transition from strict kosher to incorporating non-kosher foods into their diets. Chinese cuisine is “unusually well suited to Jewish tastes because, unlike virtually any other cuisine available in America, traditional Chinese cooking rarely uses milk products.”