What is the history and symbolism behind Catholics not eating meat on Fridays during Lent?

Question

I am a practiced Catholic but I have never heard the history behind *why* we eat *only* fish or vegetables on Friday during Lent. If anybody has a simple, easy to understand explanation I would love to hear it. Thanks.

Answer 1

http://www.ewtn.com/library/LITURGY/HISTLENT.TXT
"yet He showed plainly enough, by His own
example, that fasting, which God had so frequently ordered in the
old Law, was to be also practiced by the children of the new."

Think upon it and contemplate its meaning and how in tune with nature and life...even the animals in spring need time to reproduce, and not be preyed upon by men. (only one aspect)

Symbolism: vanquishing your flesh by your spirit. Many great works and miracles are performed through prayer in conjunction with fasting. Fasting symbolizes and encapsulates the love you show toward your fellow man, and also tests your obedience to God. (Don't put on a sour face like the publicans do to make a big show...but tighten your belt...) (...through your weakness, God shows His strength...)

Answer 2

Actually, Catholics are not supposed to eat meat on ANY Friday! That rule was never changed. If one does eat meat on a Friday out side Lent, they are supposed to choose to do another act of sacrifice or prayer.

And that is the reason for abstaing from meat on Fridays specifically in Lent. When yyou stop and think- oh, I'll have the filet o fish instead of the big mac- you are recalling it is Lent. And somewhere in your mind, you are reminded of the sacrifice Christ made on the Cross one Friday almost 2000 years ago.

It is a simple sacrifice we make to show gratitude to the Lord.

Answer 3

Q: Where did the law about not eating meat on Fridays originate? When was this changed to Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent?

A: Already in the fourth century, there was a Church law about abstinence (not eating meat on certain days). Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays were once days of abstinence in the Western Church. By the 12th century, this was required only on Ash Wednesday and on Fridays—to remind Christians that Jesus died on this day. (Later, abstinence was added in connection with a few feasts.)

The U.S. bishops decided in 1966 to require fasting and abstinence only on Ash Wednesday, the Fridays of Lent and on Good Friday. Earlier that year, Pope Paul VI allowed conferences of bishops to select days of fast and abstinence.

Why abstain from meat? People like it and notice its absence. Christian fasting regulations once included milk and eggs. Fasting and abstaining show respect for God’s creation by using it more sparingly at times.

Answer 4

+ Lent +

The Catholic Church and many other Christians Churches follow the Biblical practice of Jesus Christ and the Jews in setting aside days where the entire Church fasts and prays as one in a attitude of constant renewal.

By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert and in spiritual preparation for the celebration of His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

This season of penance is an intense moments of the Church's penitential practice and are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and charitable and missionary works.

+ Lenten Fast +

Catholics in the United States are obliged to abstain from the eating of meat on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays during the season of Lent.

They are also obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday.

Self-imposed observance of fasting on all weekdays of Lent is strongly recommended. This is where people also give up chocolate, sarcasm, or something else for Lent.

+ With love in Christ.

Answer 5

Because meat was expensive and the money saved was given to the church to feed the poor.

Answer 6

Perhaps it's one of their man made rules?