What is the Feast of the Seven Fishes?
Image courtesy of Libby Penner via Unsplash.
Celebrating Christmas Eve with a Seven-Fish Feast
The holiday season on Amelia Island has begun and you’re probably already thinking about putting up your Christmas decorations. Getting a tree, hanging your ornaments, and building gingerbread houses are just some of the ways we celebrate, but when it comes to dinner, every table is unique.
You may be familiar with the Christmas dinner staples, like turkey and ham. In fact, over 22 million turkeys are eaten on Christmas in the United States. For many people, however, turkey may not be on the menu.
Today, we are diving into the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a different kind of Christmas Eve tradition.
A Traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes
As its name suggests, a Feast of the Seven Fishes is a meal that consists of seven different seafood dishes. Considered one of the most Italian traditions, the celebration is more commonly observed by Italian Americans. Many Italians aren’t even familiar with the feast, nor its origin. This is because, like most places, culinary practices and cuisines different between people from each of Italy’s 20 regions. Whether you’re from Sicily, Tuscany, or Sardinia, your plate at Christmas Eve dinner will look different from everyone else’s.
A commonality between Italians is the prevalence of seafood. Eating fish on Christmas Eve is an old tradition associated with Roman Catholics abstaining from meat and dairy before certain religious holidays. Since Christmas is one of those holidays, people would opt for fish on Christmas Eve.
As for why there are seven fish dishes in the feast, the number seven is considered a holy number, connected to many Catholic symbols. In Catholicism, it’s associated with the number of sacraments and the number of deadly sins, just to name a couple.
The first official Feast of the Seven Fishes was in the early 1900s to celebrate the sea and make them feel like they are home in Italy. Despite the religious background that inspired the meal, it isn’t a religious celebration whatsoever. We owe it to Italian Americans for this fun tradition that places fish and other seafood as the stars at the dinner table.
Preparing a Feast of the Seven Fishes
Every feast is different, but there aren’t many rules to abide by. Some people will tell you to have seven fish on the table, but you can include seafood, like shellfish, too for a variety of dishes. You may even want to split up the meal into seven courses to avoid seven main entrees.
We couldn’t resist getting in on the fun here at Timoti’s, so we’ve put together a sample menu for your Feast of the Seven Fishes. Check out our choices for a modern Feast of the Seven Fishes and don’t forget to place your order when you’re done!
Clam Chowder Soup or Seafood Stew
Kick off your feast with a hot bowl of New England style clam chowder soup or a rich tomato base seafood stew!
Snack on Some Oysters
Oysters make a great snack to enjoy early into the large feast that will prepare you for the main course.
Start Small with a Shrimp Basket
As you make your way to the entrees, start small with a shrimp basket. Amelia Island is known for kickstarting Florida’s shrimping industry, after all.
Mahi Tacos for a Crunch
You’re getting warmer. Mahi tacos bring a needed crunch in your Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Lobster Rolls — Bringing Color to the Table
Whether you like it Maine or Connecticut style, lobster rolls will bring some color to your Christmas Eve dinner.
Fish Sandwiches — The Star of Our Feast
You made it to the main course! Blackened, grilled, or fried: it doesn’t matter! Fish sandwiches are the star of the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Poke Bowl — Finish off Right
There’s no better way to finish your Christmas Eve dinner than with a poke bowl. It’s delicious and will help to cleanse your palate after this large feast.
Celebrate a Feast of the Seven Fishes with Timoti’s
We have plenty of seafood on our menu to make the most of the Christmas Eve tradition.
Head on over to either Timoti’s Seafood Shak locations—Fernandina or Nocatee—and participate in your own Feast of the Seven Fishes today!