Catholic tradition prohibits the consumption of meat on the evenings before religious holidays. Most Italians, therefore, eat a fishy feast on Christmas Eve, one so abundant that the lack of animal flesh is hardly noticed.
Do all Italians eat fish on Christmas Eve?
However, other families actually eat 10 fish to signify the stations of the cross and others eat 12 referring to the apostles. Italians eat all different types of fish on Christmas Eve , some of which include the following: Baked Cod. Fried shrimp.
What feast Do Italians have on Christmas Eve?
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is the annual Christmas Eve vigil and epic seafood feast that has grown into the most beloved meal of the year in Italian-American households. Steeped in tradition, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is the centerpiece meal of the entire holiday season.
What are the 7 fishes for Italian Christmas Eve?
Typical “fishes” include baccalà (salt cod), frutti di mare (shellfish), capitone (eel), calamari (squid), scungilli (conch meat) and vongole (clams) . Fried vegetables are also a popular accompaniment to the fish; expect fried artichokes, pickled vegetables, fried squash blossoms, and other treats.
What is the 7 Fishes Italian tradition?
The Feast of the Seven Fishes—also known as Festa dei Sette Pesci or La Vigilia—is a huge dinner that features seven courses of fish and seafood dishes, plus a classic Italian dessert . Add some festive decor and good music and you'll have an unforgettable evening!
What do the 7 fishes represent on Christmas Eve?
Some believe the fish represent the seven deadly sins , the seven days it took for God to create the earth, the seven sacraments or the seven virtues of Christian theology. As for the menu that is offered for the feast, it varies from household to household, and there are no set rules for the kinds of dishes served.
Why do Italians eat 7 fishes Christmas Eve?
The long tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates from the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from eating meat on the eve of a feast day. ... The number seven may come from the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church, or the seven hills of Rome, or something else. There is no general agreement on its meaning.
Why are there 7 fishes?
Nobody knows where the “seven fishes” moniker came from. Many insist it's a religious symbol . The number seven, after all, appears hundreds of times in the Bible and is significant in the Roman Catholic Church: It may represent the seven sacraments. Or the seven virtues.
What is a traditional Sicilian Christmas dinner?
Feast of the Seven Fishes, also known as La Vigilia (The Vigil) , is a Sicilian-American traditional dinner on Christmas Eve. ... Italians may not agree, but it really doesn't matter, as long as family is together on Christmas Eve.
What are the 7 fishes dinner?
- Acciughe Marinate alla Ligure (Marinated Anchovies)
- Brodetto di Branzino (Wild Sea Bass Soup)
- Crudo di Pesce (Fish Tartare)
- Paccheri con Sugo di Mare (Seafood Pasta)
- Pesce al Forno (Baked Fish)
- Pesce alla Griglia (Grilled Fish)
What is an Italian feast called?
If you want the full, five-course Italian dinner, here are the parts you need: The antipasto : A traditional Italian meal starts with something to nibble on, called an antipasto, which translates into English as “before the meal.”
What traditions does Italy have for Christmas?
- Extended Celebrations. ...
- No meat on Christmas Eve. ...
- Visiting the Vatican for midnight mass. ...
- Skiing into Christmas. ...
- Bagpipes on the piazzas. ...
- Gifts from the good witch. ...
- Sweet treats. ...
- Displaying a ceppo.
What can I cook on Christmas Eve?
- Gratin of fresh & smoked salmon, beetroot, potatoes & dill. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. ...
- Spiced pomegranate & orange glazed ham. A star rating of 0 out of 5. ...
- Classic lasagne. ...
- Date, blue cheese & pancetta polenta stacks. ...
- Ham & crackling. ...
- Chinese chicken curry. ...
- Mac ‘n' cheese bites. ...
- Festive negroni.
Which countries eat fish on Christmas Eve?
The tradition of eating carp for Christmas is particularly alive and well in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland . But some families in Hungary, Austria, Germany and Croatia may also be fond of it and indulge in that delicacy at Christmas time. According to most, this traditions dates back to the Middle Ages.
Does the word fishes exist?
The most common plural form of fish is indeed fish. ... Fishes, however, usually refers to multiple species of fish , especially in scientific contexts.
Is Sicily a country in Italy?
Sicily, Italian Sicilia, island, southern Italy, the largest and one of the most densely populated islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Together with the Egadi, Lipari, Pelagie, and Panteleria islands, Sicily forms an autonomous region of Italy .
