History of Lent and Fish

Lent and fish go together during a religious season that ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. In fact, the history of lent and fish finds them closely intertwined, much like City Fish Market and seafood freshness! In Catholicism and other Christian religions, when everyone age 15 and up abstains from eating meat on certain days during Lent, fish is acceptable as a substitute. Fish fasting days have been a driver for the fish industry since medieval times. Indeed, historians might say that days marked for eating fish instead of meat became vital to the growth of the global fishing industry.

What is Lent?

Lent is a time of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving meant to prepare people for Easter, and it lasts for 40 days. However, the beginning on Ash Wednesday to the end on Holy Saturday doesn’t add up to 40 days because Sundays are not counted. The 40 days symbolize the time when Jesus fasted in the desert. Sundays are part of Lent, but they are not included as days of fasting.

Why Eat Fish but Not Meat?

The tradition of eating fish and fasting meat not just during Lent but every Friday (and several other days on religious calendars) has to do with honoring the sacrifice Jesus made when he died on the cross on a Friday. It is considered acceptable to eat fish because fish are cold-blooded, unlike humans and warm-blooded animals. Fish is also a symbol of Jesus Christ. When the days designated for fasting meat piled up, the demand for fish seriously boosted the fish trade.

No Sacrifice of Taste Required

During Lent, it is perfectly fine to make the most out of the days when fish are eaten instead of meat. Keep in mind, however, that fasting meat is still meant to be about self-denial rather than seafood indulgence. So, it is a wonderful time to eat delicious dishes from great fish recipes with moderation. Among the traditions that have been practiced during the Lenten season is that churches have a fish fry every Friday. Check out our blog article about the best fish for frying. 

What are the Best Fish Dishes for Lent?

The most important aspect of any fish fasting recipe is the freshness of the fish. That is where City Fish Market comes in and plays a big part in homes throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine. We have been perfecting seafood freshness since 1930! Look for a clean ocean scent, bright eyes, and clear skin.

Taste of Home.com offers 30 Delicious Fish Recipes for Lent. The recipes include the following:

• Feta Tomato-Basil Fish, which calls for white fish fillets such as cod, halibut, or ocean catfish.
• Sweet & Tangy Salmon with Green Beans, which advises cooks to buy salmon fillets of approximately the same thickness so that they cook evenly.
• Easy Fish Tacos, which suggests using mahi mahi or cod fillets in 1-inch strips.

City Fish Market Has a History of Offering the Freshest Fish

We don’t go back as far as the history of Lent and fish, but City Fish Market is close to being a century old. Our retail counters always have a beautiful selection of fresh fish. Stop by during this religious season that has meant so much to countless individuals and the fish industry, too.

Visit us today at 884 Silas Deane Hwy in Wethersfield CT. You can also call or fill out our online form if you need delivery.