Feast of the Seven Fishes spread The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian American tradition in which a meal composed of seven different fish dishes is served on Christmas Eve. (more) Feast of the Seven Fishes holiday meal Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Feast-of-the-Seven-Fishes Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Feast-of-the-Seven-Fishes Also known as: Christmas Eve Fish Dinner, festa dei sette pesci, the Vigil Written by Rebecca M. Kulik Rebecca M. Kulik contributes articles on the social sciences and humanities to Encyclopaedia Britannica. Rebecca M. Kulik Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Oct 30, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Italian: Festa dei sette pesci (Show more) Also called: Christmas Eve Fish Dinner or the Vigil (Show more) Ask the Chatbot a Question Ask the Chatbot a Question Feast of the Seven Fishes, Italian American Christmas Eve meal involving the serving of a meatless dinner composed of seven different dishes of fish. Although Feast of the Seven Fishes is the most common name for this meal, it is also referred to as Christmas Eve Fish Dinner or the Vigil, and many people alternatively prepare a feast of 3, 11, 13, or any other odd number of fishes. The meal is believed to have evolved from the Roman Catholic practice of fasting before the observance of certain church feast days, including Christmas (December 25), the feast celebrating the birth ...(100 of 582 words)

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