Why do we celebrate feast of the seven fishes? What is the story surrounding our traditions about feast of the seven fishes ? Where and how did it originate and become synonomous with how Italian Americans celebrate Christmas eve. Lastly what are some examples and recipes you can incorporate in your Christmas eve dinner table to spice the menu up and give it an Italian twist. I am here to answer and give you an inside look and time tested recipes to make this holiday season spectacular.
A tasty modern twist catching on in Italy is oven baking the breaded calamari instead of the traditional frying.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian-American tradition primarily prepared and shared on Christmas Eve. Many of the recipes however can often be prepared as well during New Years Eve. Feast of the seven fishes origin is deeply rooted and passed down from the first Italian immigrants who came to America wanting to preserve their traditions and culture and religious practices. In Italy it is also common practice to have fish on Christmas Eve the only difference is they don’t call it the same as we do in America. To them it is tradition passed down through our ancestors. Keeping with customs the main idea is that the meal features a wonderful assortment of many seafood dishes.
Origins and Meaning
Roots can be traced back to the Roman Catholic practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays, including certain holy days such as Christmas Eve. Historically, the Catholic Church encourages fasting and abstinence from meat the day before important holy holidays. For generations on Christmas Eve, families would avoid meat and instead prepare a variety of fish and seafood prepared in many different ways. This custom is known as the “Vigilia di Natale” (Christmas Eve Vigil), and the main focus on fish symbolizes purity and the connection to Christ, this is why the symbol of a fish is often representative of Christ
Where did the idea of eating seven different types of fish come from originally?
- Religious symbolism: The number seven has great significance in Christianity, symbolizing perfection and completion. For example: seven days of creation or the seven sacraments in the Catholic religion. Eating seven different kinds of fish, helped families commemorate with a special meal the anticipation of Christ’s birth.
- Regional: In Italy, across different regions you will find many variations of the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Some families preparing more than seven types of seafood, however seven remains a symbolic numbe
While the custom of a seafood-filled Christmas Eve meal is widespread in Italy, it was more firmly established among Italian-Americans in the United States, particularly those with roots in Southern Italy, including regions like Naples, Sicily, and Calabria. Many Italian immigrants brought the tradition with them when they moved to the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and over time, it became more deeply ingrained in the Italian-American community, especially as a way to maintain cultural heritage.
In Italy, Christmas Eve dinners vary by region. Some families in Italy might prepare a more modest number of dishes, while others in the southern parts of the country and coastal areas, where seafood is abundant, might have as many as 12 types of fish or even more. However, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is most strongly associated with the Italian-American community.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes and Christmas Eve Celebrations
The tradition is typically observed on Christmas Eve, with a large family gathering where people come together to enjoy a multi-course meal. The evening usually begins with appetizers and cold seafood dishes, followed by hot dishes and finally ending with dessert.
Italian-American families often gather on Christmas Eve for a late-night dinner, which may extend into midnight, culminating in midnight Mass or simply to celebrate the arrival of Christmas Day. It’s not just about the food, but about family, faith, and togetherness.
Some examples of seafood of served on Christmas Eve:
While the specific dishes can vary by family and region, common foods served at the Feast of the Seven Fishes include:
- Baccala (Salted Cod) – A staple for many Italian families, often prepared in various ways, such as in a tomato-based sauce, fried, or in salads.
- Fried Calamari (Squid) – A popular dish, often battered and fried until crispy.
- Shrimp – Prepared in numerous ways, including shrimp scampi (garlic and butter), or grilled.
- Lobster – Sometimes served in a rich sauce or as a pasta dish.
- Anchovies – A salty fish, often used in sauces or served as an appetizer.
- Clams – Frequently served in pasta dishes like linguine with clams or baked with garlic and breadcrumbs.
- Mussels – Often steamed or served in a white wine and garlic sauce.
- Scungilli (Conch) – A type of shellfish that is typically served in pasta or salads.
- Octopus – Usually prepared in a salad or with olive oil, garlic, and lemon.
- Sardines – Sometimes served grilled, fried, or in salads.
- Fish Pasta – Pasta dishes featuring seafood, such as spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) or pasta with shrimp and lobster.
.
How Italian-Americans Celebrate Christmas Eve
Most importantly Feast of the Seven Fishes is not just about the food; it’s about family, faith, and connection to heritage. The meal is often a shared experience with family and friends invited to the table with generations gathering to cook and share stories of their ancestors carried on to this present day. It’s a time for the family to come together in prayer, devotion and honor replicating the anticipation of Christmas Day just hours away.
The evening might begin with appetizers and antipasti, then progress to several fish-based courses, all typically served with Italian wines or prosecco. For dessert, families may enjoy traditional Italian sweets such as baci di dama, panettone (Italian Christmas cake), or struffoli (fried dough balls drizzled with honey).
Symbolism and Modern Variations
While the number seven is symbolic, some families may prepare more than seven types of fish, or they may substitute other seafood if certain types are difficult to obtain. Over time, this feast has evolved, with some families incorporating non-seafood dishes or other Italian specialties. In modern times, many Italian-American families celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes with a focus on family and tradition, and not just on strict religious observance.
In recent years, the Feast of the Seven Fishes has become an increasingly popular tradition, even among those without Italian roots, thanks to its focus on family, food, and celebration.
Summary of Key Elements
- Occasion: Christmas Eve (Vigilia di Natale)
- Number of Dishes: Traditionally, seven types of fish (though some families serve more)
- Significance: The number seven symbolizes perfection and is connected to religious traditions of abstaining from meat before Christmas Day.
- Foods: Baccala, fried calamari, shrimp, lobster, anchovies, clams, mussels, octopus, scungilli, sardines, and various seafood pastas.
- Celebration Style: The feast is typically a family-centered event, often late-night, and accompanied by festive desserts and Italian wines.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes remains an enduring symbol of our Italian-American identity, faith, and family unity during the Christmas holiday season. I hope you will find some joy and experiment if not with the whole feast but try one or two to add a not only traditional but festive and elegant element to your families table this Christmas Eve.
