Feast of the Seven Fishes
BY JENNIFER MIELE
CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Father Anthony W. Ditto, parochial vicar of Mother of Sorrows Parish, Murrysville, remembers the stories of his family’s arrival in America from Southern Italy at the turn of the century. With them came a Christmas tradition that he remembers fondly: Vigilia di Natale, or the Vigil of Christmas. That meant fasting all day on Christmas Eve, then celebrating with the Feast of the Seven Fishes at night.
Father Anthony W. Ditto
Here’s a quick reference guide, in Father Ditto’s words, just in case your grandparents are not from “Eataly.”
What are the origins of the Feast of the Seven Fishes?
Historically, fish was on the menu in Southern Italy because it was plentiful and cheap. The tradition of eating fish on the vigil came from a time in the Roman Catholic tradition when you abstained from eating meat on a feast day. So, Christmas being a feast day, on the vigil they ate fish.
What is the significance of Seven?
My grandfather always said that the seven fish represented the seven sacraments, but the meal for religious purposes is always centered toward Christ.
Do I have to make seven fishes to uphold the tradition?
Absolutely not. Make it your own. Make what you know how to make. Most importantly, make what you like.
Now’s a great time to renew the tradition of gathering as a family. The food is secondary. It’s gathering as a family, and always pointing toward why we are gathering as a family— that we’re celebrating a feast, the feast of Christ being born.
That was always why we celebrated la Vigilia.
Buon Natale!
Father Ditto’s Traditional Favorites:
- Pasta aglia e olio eith anchovies
- Baccala or salted cod
- Sardines
- Smelt two ways: baked in olive oil, garlic and oregano, or battered and fried
- Calamari two ways: fried (restaurant style) or sautéed in a spicy Arrabbiata sauce
Father Ditto’s new Favorites:
- Steamed crab legs
- Seared tuna
- Branzino roasted whole with lemon
- Clams in butter and garlic
- Tags:
RELATED STORIES
March 16 2023
Thousands of teens set to gather in Indianapolis for NCYC 2023
March 14 2023
Sister Mary Michelle Shuda, in her 65th year of religious life
March 06 2023
Eucharistic Congress planned for Diocese in May
March 06 2023
Official - March 4, 2023
March 07 2023
St. Edward Kindness Closet named 2023 Salt and Light Award winner as Outstanding Human Services Organization
March 01 2023
Pope Francis to travel to Hungary at the end of April
February 28 2023
USCCB Bishop Chairman Marks One Year Anniversary of Russian Invasion of Ukraine
February 28 2023
Bishop Kulick welcomes Catechumens and Candidates at Rite of Election Liturgy
February 28 2023
Sister Marian Joseph Adams SC, in her 75th year of religious life
March 03 2023
Uniontown parishes provide a circle of community support
GO TO DIOCESE OF GREENSBURG MAIN HOME
AROUND THE DIOCESE
FEATURED EVENTS
FEATURED VIDEOS
CONTACT US
OUR SOCIALS
© Copyright 2023 The Catholic Accent On-Air All Rights Reserved. | A Corkboard Concept