Why Eat Fish On Good Friday

So, there I was, standing in line at the local fish and chip shop on Good Friday, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the irony. Here we were, in the 21st century, queuing up for our traditional fish supper on a day that's supposed to be all about, well, not eating fish. But why is that, you ask? Let's dive in, shall we?

Back in the Day

Picture this: it's the 16th century, and the Catholic Church is calling the shots. Lent, a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter, is in full swing. The Church decrees that followers should abstain from eating meat on Fridays, including Good Friday. Now, back then, 'meat' was defined as the flesh of warm-blooded animals. Fish, being cold-blooded, was fair game.

But here's where it gets interesting. In many places, fish was actually more expensive and harder to come by than meat. So, this 'no meat on Fridays' rule actually became a way for the rich to show off their wealth, while the poor got a break from their usual diet of cheaper cuts of meat. Talk about a paradox, huh?

Fish Friday

Fast forward a few centuries, and the 'no meat on Fridays' rule is still going strong. But with the rise of industrial fishing and farming, fish has become more accessible. And so, Good Friday, which was once a day of fasting and reflection, has become a day of, well, feasting on fish.

In some places, it's become a bit of a tradition. In the UK, for instance, it's practically a national holiday for fish and chip shops. And let's not forget about the fish sandwiches in the US, or the bacalhau in Portugal. It's like the whole world's decided to celebrate the end of Lent with a fish fry.

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But Why?

So, why do we still do it? Well, for some, it's a matter of tradition. For others, it's a way to connect with their faith and the story of Easter. And for many, it's just a really good excuse to enjoy some delicious fish.

But here's the thing: while it's fun to indulge in a fish supper on Good Friday, it's also important to remember the reason behind the tradition. Lent is a time for reflection, sacrifice, and renewal. So, while you're enjoying your fish, take a moment to think about what you've given up for Lent, and why.

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Sustainable Seafood

And speaking of fish, let's not forget about the importance of sustainable seafood. With overfishing and climate change threatening our oceans, it's more important than ever to make sure the fish on our plates was caught or farmed responsibly.

So, next time you're tucking into your Good Friday fish supper, why not do a little research and make sure it's the sustainable kind? Your conscience (and the oceans) will thank you.

And there you have it, folks. The story behind why we eat fish on Good Friday. It's a tradition that's evolved over centuries, and while it might seem a bit counterintuitive, it's a fun and tasty way to mark the end of Lent. So, go on, enjoy your fish. But remember, it's not just about the fish - it's about the story behind it.