My Mom says it's a Methodist tradition, I think she's nuts. Someone help me so I can put an end to this crazy tradition.
2007-11-29 04:38:05 · 8 answers · asked by Michelle G 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
I live in an area with a very high population of people with Italian heritage and married one of them. Many, if not most, of my friends and acquaintances have Italian roots.
Traditional Italian families don't eat red meat on Christmas Eve. They have a gigantic feast of the "7 Fishes".... Fish, shrimp, shell fish, clams, mussels, oysters and all things from the sea are prepared in every possible way. In addition, there are several types of pasta, salads, breads, olives, vegetables and other goodies served. It is all laid out on a huge table and is usually served either buffet or family style. Many have "open house" on that night with family and friends dropping in and out all evening.
Wines and liquors are offered along with coffee and delicious pastries.
WHAT a celebration it is!
At midnight, it's over. Many people attend Midnight Mass at their church that evening.
As you may know, many Italian-Americans are Catholic - practicing and otherwise.
2007-11-29 05:04:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm Catholic and half-italian and that side of the family never ate meat on Christmas Eve. The big tradition was fish.
2007-11-29 04:52:11 · answer #2 · answered by PJ's Mom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im Polish and Catholic and we never have meat at Christmas Eve dinner. This is a Polish tradition. I dont think its "crazy" and its something I plan on passing down to my children. Dont be so quick to judge.
2007-11-29 04:49:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anna Z 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My aunt's family (Catholic) never ate meat on Christmas Eve. Don't know why, never asked. We always had meatless pasta on Christmas Eve when we went to her house.
Added: clikced the link of the poster above- Aunt's husband was Italian. So there ya go.
2007-11-29 04:45:51 · answer #4 · answered by kckli 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes this is a tradion for some people depending on their religious views or culture:
http://neris.mii.lt/CHRISTMAS/christmas_eve.html
http://www.sicilianculture.com/food/xmasfish.htm
I believe Roman Catholics also did not eat meat on Christmas Eve as well. I know for sure where I am from at one point you did not eat on Sunday until after church
2007-11-29 04:45:41 · answer #5 · answered by Violet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard of that either and I am catholic. We don't eat meat on Good Friday.. but we definitely eat meat on Christmas Eve.
2007-11-29 04:41:58 · answer #6 · answered by Cupid 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
my moms family used to do it way back in the day - they are all Polish
2007-11-29 07:07:18 · answer #7 · answered by Sarahz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No I havent just on good friday :D
2007-11-29 04:40:49 · answer #8 · answered by themagicalmuffin31 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋