Have you ever wondered why many Christians do not eat meat on Good Friday? They would say meat is forbidden and instead eat fish or other meals like Frejon on Good Friday.
But why is this so on this day specifically? Well, forbidding meat on Good Friday is linked to the death of Jesus Christ.
Good Friday is the day Christians commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is seen as a solemn day of mourning, reflection, and repentance.
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Jesus, when he died on the cross, sacrificed his flesh and to honour him, Christians decided to refrain from eating flesh meat.
The flesh meat forbidden on Good Friday includes the meat of mammals and poultry, and the main foods that come under this category are beef, pork, chicken, and turkey.
But then, while meat from these animals are forbidden on Good Friday, the non-flesh products of these animals are not. Things like milk, cheese, butter, eggs, and sauces made from animal fats can be eaten.
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Fish is allowed to be eaten as it is seen as not belonging to the flesh meat category as the Latin word for meat – caro, applies to flesh meat and has never been understood to include fish.
Also, fish was originally considered a “poor man’s food” and was not associated with feasting or luxury. It became an acceptable alternative because it aligned with the spirit of humility and penance.
Some also believe the apostles in the Bible who were fishermen ate fish often, reinforcing its religious symbolism. This is why you’ll often see dishes like Frejon, grilled tilapia, or catfish pepper soup on Good Friday menus, especially in Christian households in Nigeria.
It is important to note that it is not explicitly stated in the Bible that Christians should avoid meat on Good Friday.
The practice actually comes more from church tradition, especially within the Roman Catholic Church.Over time, it spread to other Christian denominations as a meaningful way to honour Christ’s sacrifice.
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