Why Do We Eat Fish for Lent?
What Is The Relationship Between Eating Fish And Lent?
Eating fish for Lent is a tradition that comes from Catholicism. According to religious teachings, Jesus died on a Friday. In honor of this sacrifice, religious practices dating back to the first century indicated that followers of the faith weren’t allowed to eat the flesh of warmblooded animals. Functionally, it meant that Catholics weren’t supposed to eat meat on Fridays.
Because of this religious practice, fish was eaten as a replacement for different types of meat. The prohibition of eating meat on Fridays stayed this way until 1966, when the Pope stated that Catholics were only expected to follow this practice during Lent.
What is Lent?
Lent is a 40 day period of religious worship and fasting that is associated with the Catholic faith. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter. During Lent, Catholics are expected to deepen their faith through prayer, fasting, and performing acts of charity.
Why Did Catholics Choose To Eat Fish?
Historically, Catholics, especially those above the age of 14, ate fish on Fridays for multiple reasons.
It was the only readily available substitute, and it didn’t hurt that it was already associated with several sacred holidays.
Meatless Fridays were a weekly occurrence, and people wanted to eat something that was accessible to them, nutritious, and filled their stomachs.
At first, the appetite for fish on Friday was satisfied with herring. This type of fish was readily available, but it wasn’t tasty. In those days, fish had to be preserved. The only options were to smoke or salt fish, and herring was try and tasteless after it had been preserved.
Eventually, cod replaced herring as the preferred type of fish. It didn’t hurt that cod tasted better and lasted longer than herring after preservation.
In the end, this choice of food for meatless Fridays was good for the health of Catholics. Fish are rich with proteins, vitamin D, and more.
Getting Through Lent with the Help of Timoti’s
Timoti’s Seafood Shak is here to help during Lent—stop by either location for our delicious, wild-caught fish dishes. Lent friendly dishes include Tuna or Mahi tacos, Timoti’s fish basket, Timoti’s fish sandwich, and our Baja Box with fish. These dishes are prepared with wild-caught fish from the Atlantic Ocean.
Timoti’s is located in the Jacksonville metropolitan area, which is next to the Atlantic Ocean. We have stores in historic Fernandina Beach and Nocatee. Both locations are close to the Atlantic. It only takes a 10-15 minute drive to access beaches on the Atlantic Ocean!
Our proximity to the ocean means that we have access to a variety of different breeds of fresh fish. These breeds include redfish, trout, red snapper, mahi mahi, black drum, flounder, tarpon, grouper, cobia, kingfish, and more.
Whether you’re a local parishioner of St. Michaels Catholic Church or you’re just visiting, Timoti’s is here to help you enjoy the sanctifying period of Lent.
Come To Timoti’s For Fresh Fish On Fridays
At Timoti’s, we’re not just serving meals. We aim to make happy memories for you and your loved ones–especially during Lent, a time for faith, community, and spiritual growth. Come on in and let’s make some delicious memories together!