The Feast of the Seven Fishes

 The Feast of the Seven Fishes

Feast of the Seven Fishes seafood platter(Image-Getty Images)

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a traditional Italian-American celebration held on Christmas Eve. It's a special meal that features a variety of fish and seafood dishes. The number "seven" is significant, as it is believed to represent the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church or the seven hills of Rome.

Seafood Salad with Italian bread on the side served on Christmas Eve as part of the Feast of The Seven Fishes. The Feast of the Seven Fishes is part of the Italian-American Christmas Eve celebration. The meal typically consists of seven different seafood dishes. The tradition comes from Southern Italy, where it is known simply as The Vigil (La Vigilia). This celebration commemorates the wait, the Vigilia di Natale, for the midnight birth of the baby Jesus.(Image-Getty Images)

In simple words, families and friends come together to enjoy a festive dinner that includes seven different types of fish or seafood. The dishes can vary, but they often include items like shrimp, clams, mussels, squid, baccalà (salted cod), and other seafood delicacies.

Baccalà (salt cod) stew on stove cocking for The Feast of the Seven Fishes. The Feast of the Seven Fishes is part of the Italian-American Christmas Eve celebration. The meal typically consists of seven different seafood dishes. The tradition comes from Southern Italy, where it is known simply as The Vigil (La Vigilia). This celebration commemorates the wait, the Vigilia di Natale, for the midnight birth of the baby Jesus. 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.(Image-Getty Images)

What is the significance of the Feast of 7 Fishes?

Dante de Magistris, owner and executive chef of dante, fillets eel, while the other chefs look on as Anthony Caturano, executive chef and owner of Prezza in the North End, and six Italian chefs prepare the Feast of Seven Fishes, traditional Christmas Eve menu, at Prezza on Monday, Dec. 8, 2008.(Image-Getty Images)

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is significant because it is a special Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition that revolves around sharing a meal featuring seven different types of fish or seafood. The number "seven" is often associated with religious symbolism, representing either the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church or the seven hills of Rome.

In simple words, this feast is a way for families to come together and celebrate the holiday season with a delicious and meaningful meal. The tradition has its roots in the Italian Catholic practice of abstaining from meat on Christmas Eve. By incorporating a variety of fish and seafood dishes, the feast has evolved into a festive and flavorful event.

The significance lies not only in the diverse and delectable food but also in the shared experience of gathering loved ones around the table. It's a time for joy, togetherness, and the continuation of a cultural and culinary heritage that has been passed down through generations in Italian-American families.

What is a typical menu for Feast of the Seven Fishes?

Person with Feast of the Seven Fishes seafood platter(Image-Getty Images)

The Feast of the Seven Fishes typically features a variety of delicious seafood dishes, creating a festive and flavorful Christmas Eve meal. Here's a simple explanation of a typical menu:

1. Baccalà (Salted Cod): Baccalà is often prepared in various ways, such as being fried, baked, or stewed in a flavorful tomato sauce.

2. Shrimp Scampi: Shrimp cooked with garlic, butter, and lemon juice, creating a tasty and aromatic dish.

3. Calamari (Squid): Calamari may be fried to a golden crispness or included in a seafood salad for a refreshing option.

4. Clams: Clams can be served in a variety of ways, such as steamed with garlic and white wine or included in pasta dishes.

5. Mussels: Mussels might be prepared in a fragrant broth, often featuring garlic, tomatoes, and white wine.

6. Fish Soup or Stew: A hearty soup or stew combining different types of fish and seafood, often in a tomato-based broth.

7. Anchovies or Sardines: These small, flavorful fish can be used in various dishes, such as on pizza or in pasta.

These are just examples, and the specific dishes can vary from family to family or region to region. The key is to have a variety of fish and seafood options, creating a festive and memorable culinary experience for those celebrating the Feast of the Seven Fishes.