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 doesn’t the Catholic Church recognize fish as 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 additional features. Please enter your email address to proceed. Please enter valid email address to continue
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.
Which seafood is permitted during Lent?
Alligator – This may not come as a surprise to many Louisiana Lenten practitioners, as the Archbishop of New Orleans acknowledged the alligator as a Lenten-friendly alternative. Archbishop Gregory Aymond wrote in 2010 that “the alligator is recognized to be a member of the fish family,” as reported by, a news source covering Catholic Church-related news.