The Origins and Traditions of the Feast of the Seven Fishes

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a traditional Italian-American meal enjoyed by many on Christmas Eve. But where did this tradition come from and what are the origins of this delicious seafood feast?

Origins

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is rooted in Southern Italy where it was known as La Vigilia, or the vigil, the night before Christmas. The number seven is significant as it represents the seven sacraments and the seven days of creation. The feast became popular in the United States in the early 1900s as Italian immigrants settled in cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Today, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is still celebrated in many Italian-American households, and the meal typically features a variety of seafood dishes that vary from house to house.

Traditions

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a long-standing tradition that is often passed down from generation to generation. It is typically a multi-course meal that features seven different seafood dishes, although some families may serve more or less. The meal is usually started at sundown and can last several hours. Many families attend Christmas Eve mass before enjoying the feast, making it an all-day event. Some families may also incorporate games or other activities into the evening.

Popular Dishes

The Feast of the Seven Fishes features a wide variety of seafood dishes, and each family may have their own favorites. Some popular dishes include fried calamari, shrimp scampi, clams casino, seafood risotto, and linguine with white clam sauce. Other families may incorporate octopus, mussels, lobster, or crab into their feast.