Fish Tale: Feast of the Seven Fishes

Have you heard of the feast of the seven fishes? How about the feast of the twelve fishes?

Well, if you grew up Italian you know that this refers to the vigilia (the vigil) or Christmas Eve. Years ago, the day before Christmas was declared a fast day by the Catholic Church, so no meat could be consumed. Instead you ate fish, and lots of it.

That ban has long been lifted, but Italian Americans still carry on the fish tradition.

Ironically, no one in Italy that I know ever heard of the feast of the seven or even twelve fishes. Many cookbook writers claim it was started in southern Italy, and I can buy into it since my family is all southern Italian.

So where did this come from? We may never know. But once Italians arrived in America, they brought their customs with them and many changed over time.

The feast may have been created out of the abundance found in America! Whatever the truth of this tale, it is a great tradition to carry on. Some say the number of fish, seven, represents the last full week of Advent or the seven Sacraments. The number twelve is said to represent the twelve Apostles. Some people I know actually make twelve fish courses!

Whatever the true story is, I still carry on this fish tradition, but I have cut back the number of dishes to three; I usually include three favorites like frutta di mare, fritto misto di pesce and my favorite, spaghetti with clams.

Check out more Italian fish the recipes at www.CiaoItalia.com and create a fish tale of your own.

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