Christmas Eve Traditions from Italy to America.
Every culture has its traditions expressed in the form of meals. As immigrants move from their home countries, they take their culture and even adapt it to their new homes. And that is the case of the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
History of the Feast of the Seven Fishes
Technically speaking, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian-American tradition. However, the inspiration for the meal can be traced to Southern Italy where the coastline was filled with seafood and Catholic teachings across Italy called for a meatless meal on Christmas Eve.
There was and is no formal name for this meal, rather references to it as a vigil dinner.
As Italians formed their own culture and identity as Italian-Americans, they too created their own cuisine as they adapted to the produce, meat, and seafood of America.
And, while the meal is called a feast, it is not actually associated with the Catholic Church. Rather, the Christmas Eve meal is inspired by the church and its teaching of the significance of the number 7. Seven sacraments, seven virtues, 7 represents perfection, etc.
But, not every family actually serves seven fishes. However, they can choose a number with religious meaning, such as 9 for the Holy Trinity times three, 10 for the station of the cross, or 13 for the apostles plus Jesus. There is no technical count or limit.
The meal is truly adaptable for each family. You can serve multiple dishes or just one pot with a variety of seafood inside. And it’s not just fish either. Many families include calamari, salt cold, octopus, shrimp, clams, smelt, and eel. Dishes vary from fried to sautéed to stewed.
Ultimately, the meal is all about feasting together with family and paying tribute to their cultural heritage.
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