Topic:  When did eating fish on Friday's begin?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: May 23, 2005

Moderator who originally posted this source: Kathy Martyn

Question: How did not eating meat on fridays start? When did eating fish on friday begin?

Answer: 

Hi,

You may have heard the story that the Friday abstinence was instituted as a sop to the Portuguese fishing industry. That's a cute little explanation, but it is more than a bit fanciful. Friday penitential practices began in the First Century, long before the Portuguese fishing industry had much of a lobby in the Church. The ancient penitential practices centered especially on Friday because that was the day of Our Savior's crucifixion.

For Catholics it’s a small common penance, or act of self-denial, that all of us observe on Fridays during Lent. Jesus died on the cross on a Friday, Good Friday. So, the Church, we the People of God, have thought it appropriate to make some sacrifice on this day, Friday, during Lent as we prepare to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection.