Why people consume fish on Good Friday?

Good Friday or Holy Friday is one of the major festivals of Catholics. It is said that this day is celebrated in honour of the resurrection of Jesus Christ when he was crucified. Good Friday also marks the end of Lent, during which Christians fast for 40 days. Some followers of Christianity observe fast on this day as well and break it in the evening. During this, meat is not eaten, but fruits, vegetables, fish, milk, eggs and wheat are consumed. (Images courtesy: iStock)

Many people wonder how the day Jesus was crucified can be called "Good" Friday. But there are many reasons behind this. Some believe that the death of Jesus Christ was not a common event and in a way it was a way of bringing salvation to mankind. At the same time, many people say that this day was originally called ‘God’ Friday and with time it changed to ‘Good’ Friday. Some also believe that the day is aptly named because Jesus' suffering was God's plan to save his followers from sin.

This popular festival falls on the sixth day of Holy Week, which is followed by Easter. According to the Church's lunar calendar, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon, which is April 5 this year, while Good Friday is April 9.

People usually start preparing for this day a week in advance. The preparation for making bread starts by kneading the dough. Churches celebrate the day with a service, which usually takes place in the evening. Where they remember the death of Christ through hymns, thanksgiving prayer, talk about the special significance of the day and observe the Lord's Supper.

Christians and Catholics do not eat meat on this day and instead have fish in their diet. This is because fish comes from the sea, so it is believed to be a different kind of meat. The shape of the fish was also considered a secret symbol by which Christians identified each other, at a time when their religion was banned. There were many fishermen among those who believed in Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, in ancient times meat was seen as a special delicacy, while fish was something that was not only easily available but could be afforded by most people. Another reason for consuming fish on this day is that fish is believed to be cold blooded while other meats are warm blooded, which is not good for the fasting person.

If we talk about the dishes eaten on Good Friday, then one dish which is popular all over the world is ‘Hot Cross Bun’. People eat it for breakfast with Scrambled Eggs, shrimp, lobster, Fish Tacos. Another amazing fact about this day is that the churches prepare a bitter drink, mostly prepared from leaves and vinegar. Everyone has to taste it after the service.