Whether or whether you are religious, you may be aware that Fish Friday is a tradition during Lent. But do you understand why? – Given that, according to Christian doctrine, Jesus died on a Friday, Friday fasting became a method to commemorate his death.
- However, this sort of fasting did not involve abstaining from all food (unlike trendy modern-day fasts).
- It simply meant refraining from eating the meat of warm-blooded animals, since, according to popular belief, Jesus was a warm-blooded creature.
- However, cold-blooded fish were permitted to be consumed during fasting days.
Thus, Fish on Fridays and “Fish Friday” were born, among several other religious celebrations. According to NPR, the most intriguing aspect of the reason so many people eat fish on Fridays is that it was one of the most major drivers of the rise of the worldwide fishing industry.
- However, fish were linked with religious feasts well before Christianity.
- And as the number of meatless days on the medieval Christian calendar increased, including not just Fridays but also Wednesdays and Saturdays, Advent and Lent, and other holy days, the need for fish increased.
- Indeed, fish fasting days were indispensable to the expansion of the worldwide fishing industry.
Regarding the practice of consuming fish during Lent, there is an extra element. The Lenten diet consists mostly of fish and vegetables—foods that an average or poor Roman citizen might reasonably get. Meat was considered a luxury for the upper class.
Why can Catholics eat fish but not meat?
CBS, March 13, 2014, 10:43 PM Minnesota MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – During Lent, Catholics are required to abstain from eating meat on Fridays, thus many opt for fish. This prompted Chuck from Clearwater to wonder why fish is not considered meat. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, abstinence regulations define meat as exclusively coming from terrestrial animals, such as fowl, cows, sheep, and pigs.
Fish are categorized separately from other animals. Charles Reid, a canon law professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, asserts that these Friday observances constitute a type of penance. ” a means to commemorate and acknowledge the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross,” Reid stated. “The crucifixion is particularly linked with Fridays.
Jesus was killed on Friday, thus we select a penitential date on Friday.” Meat has traditionally been linked with opulence, festivity, and banquet. Steve Maher, a student at the University of St. Thomas, stated, “I adore meat.” It is a sacrifice, and I believe that is what gives it its strength.
According to Reid, the often repeated tale about an ancient pope advocating fish to support the fishing business is a myth. Fish consumption on Fridays is not obligatory, but has become a habit in many Catholic homes. In fact, so many people eat fish on Fridays during Lent that a McDonald’s franchisee in Cincinnati introduced the Filet-o’-Fish in 1959 after incurring significant losses on Fridays.
It prevailed against the “hula burger” alternative, which comprised of pineapple and melted cheese. Charlie Corbett, a student at the University of St. Thomas, remarked, “I am ecstatic that we won.” According to the Conference of Catholic Bishops, meat juices, liquid dishes prepared from meat, such as soups and gravies, and spices created from animal fat are not legally banned. Within McDonald’s Stephanie Brown We appreciate you reading CBS NEWS. Create a free account or log in to access other features. Please enter your email address to proceed. Please provide a valid email address to proceed.
Fish Is Not Considered Meat – Another justification for eating fish during Lent? Fish lacks a “flesh flavor.” Jesus was a warm-blooded animal, but fish are cold-blooded. Although this is a scientific distinction and not a biblical one, the animal’s blood is the major distinction between the proteins, except flavor.
Biblically, fish meat is distinguished from human, animal, and bird flesh. This scripture is used to justify the consumption of fish during Lent. Christian diets have included fish for a very long time. Moreover, it is a crucial aspect of Lent to include it in fasting meals. Although reasons for allowing fish during Lent may vary, it has always been and will likely continue to be an integral element of this liturgical time.
Check out some of our favorite Lenten recipes here if you’re searching for dinner inspiration. TunedIn by Westend61 / Shutterstock Inc., Regal Springs, Taryn / Flickr, and Parker Gibbs are the photo credits. Note from the editors: This page was updated on March 14, 2017, to clarify the terminology regarding religious observances.
Can you substitute chicken for fish during Lent?
Meatless Alternatives During Lent – On Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays throughout Lent, when meat consumption is prohibited, there are a number of excellent alternatives. Meals may still be enjoyed even without meat. Forklift & Palate offers a vegan and vegetarian menu that covers all foods permissible during Lent.
- Take into account our Pear Bruschetta, Salmon, Veggie Pizza, Quesadilla, Shrimp Skewers, Fish and Chips, Ratatouille, and Pasta.
- Forklift & Palate also offers a mouthwatering Quinoa Salad and other meatless salads that will leave you delighted.
- Even if you observe Lent and must eat gluten-free or have dietary sensitivities, we have solutions for you.
Simply inform us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you place your purchase, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Who is permitted to consume meat during Lent?
United States – In 1966, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued Pastoral Statement on Penance and Abstinence, which was updated somewhat in 1983. Current, generally recognized U.S. norms, in force for at least a decade, given directly from the current USCCB Fast and Abstinence website are as follows: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are required days for Catholics to fast and abstain.
- In addition, Fridays throughout Lent are required abstinence days.
- From the age of 18 to 59, members of the Latin Catholic Church are required to adhere to the fasting regulations.
- A person who is fasting may consume one complete meal and two smaller meals that, when combined, do not equal a full meal.
Members of the Latin Catholic Church are required to abstain from meat beginning at 14 years of age. A overview of existing procedures:
- On Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all other Fridays of Lent, those aged 14 and older are required to refrain from eating meat.
- On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, everyone between the ages of 18 and 59 is required to fast, unless excused for medical reasons.
In addition, the USCCB adds that those who are exempt from fasting and abstinence outside of the age limitations include the physically or psychologically sick, as well as those with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also excluded.
- In all circumstances, common sense should prevail, and ailing people should not fast further endangering their health.
- In the past, the USCCB said that “the age of fasting is from the end of the twenty-second year to the beginning of the sixty-first,” although the USCCB page referenced above also has a “Complementary Norm” that explains the lower minimum age of 18.
In conformity with canon 1253 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, the USCCB has also permitted other forms of penance for the customary abstinence on all Fridays of the year, with the exception of those Fridays in Lent. Also, according to the USCCB, abstinence regulations assume that meat exclusively originates from land-dwelling animals such as poultry, cows, lambs, and pigs.
- Similarly, birds are considered meat.
- Abstinence does not include meat fluids and meat-based liquid meals.
- Thus, theoretically, foods such as chicken broth, consomme, soups cooked or flavored with meat, meat gravies or sauces, and spices or condiments prepared from animal fat are not prohibited.
- However, moral theologians have historically maintained that all animal-derived items should be avoided (except foods such as gelatin, butter, cheese and eggs, which do not have any meat taste).
Fish are a distinct class of animal. It is permissible to possess saltwater and freshwater fish, amphibians, reptiles (cold-blooded creatures), and shellfish. As a result, many Catholic churches in the United States host fish fries during Lent. In largely Catholic locations, restaurants may add fish products to their menus during Lent in an attempt to appeal to Catholics.
United States – In 1966, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued Pastoral Statement on Penance and Abstinence, which was updated somewhat in 1983. Current, generally recognized U.S. norms, in force for at least a decade, given directly from the current USCCB Fast and Abstinence website are as follows: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are required days for Catholics to fast and abstain.
- In addition, Fridays throughout Lent are required abstinence days.
- From the age of 18 to 59, members of the Latin Catholic Church are required to adhere to the fasting regulations.
- A person who is fasting may consume one complete meal and two smaller meals that, when combined, do not equal a full meal.
Members of the Latin Catholic Church are required to abstain from meat beginning at 14 years of age. A overview of existing procedures:
- On Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all other Fridays of Lent, those aged 14 and older are required to abstain from eating meat.
- On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, everyone between the ages of 18 and 59 is required to fast, unless exempt for medical reasons.
In addition, the USCCB adds that those who are exempt from fasting and abstinence outside of the age limitations include the physically or psychologically sick, as well as those with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also excluded.
In all circumstances, common sense should prevail, and ailing people should not fast further endangering their health. In the past, the USCCB said that “the age of fasting is from the end of the twenty-second year to the beginning of the sixty-first,” although the USCCB page referenced above also has a “Complementary Norm” that explains the lower minimum age of 18.
In conformity with canon 1253 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, the USCCB has also permitted other forms of penance for the customary abstinence on all Fridays of the year, with the exception of those Fridays in Lent. Also, according to the USCCB, abstinence regulations assume that meat exclusively originates from land-dwelling animals such as poultry, cows, lambs, and pigs.
Similarly, birds are considered meat. Abstinence does not include meat fluids and meat-based liquid meals. Thus, theoretically, foods such as chicken broth, consomme, soups cooked or flavored with meat, meat gravies or sauces, and spices or condiments prepared from animal fat are not prohibited. However, moral theologians have historically maintained that all animal-derived items should be avoided (except foods such as gelatin, butter, cheese and eggs, which do not have any meat taste).
Fish are a distinct class of animal. It is permissible to possess saltwater and freshwater fish, amphibians, reptiles (cold-blooded creatures), and shellfish. As a result, many Catholic churches in the United States host fish fries during Lent. In largely Catholic locations, restaurants may add fish products to their menus during Lent in an attempt to appeal to Catholics.
Can we eat meat during Lent?
Can You Consume Meat? – In 1966, Church rule shifted from forbidding flesh meat on all Fridays of the year to requiring abstinence on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Many Catholics keep this fast on every Friday during Lent, opting for fish over red meat (beef, pork, poultry, etc.).