Possible Explanation Why People Are Allowed To Eat Fish and Not Pork Meat During Holy Week
FISH – Here is a possible explanation on why the eating of fish is allowed during Holy Week while there is fasting from pork meat.
Undeniably, among the countries in the world that follow a lot of beliefs and traditions during the Holy Week is the Philippines. A lot of people strictly obey what they believe should be done.
Among the beliefs in life with the event held as commemoration of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ include the Holy Week food. There are those that should not be eaten during the important days and the Fridays within the Lenten season.
Most especially during Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday, the Filipino people do not eat meat of pork, beef, lamb, and chicken. Only the fish is allowed.
Have you ever wondered why fish is allowed to be eaten during Holy Week while pork meat is not along with other meats?
Based on UMD Newman, the possible explanation why fish is allowed is that it is really apart from the other kinds of meat when it comes to status.
Pork, beef, chicken, and lamb meats are often present in luxurious celebrations. They give satisfaction to people and they don’t promote the spirit of simplicity.
On the part of the fish, it is not usually greatly associated with celebrations. Also, according to the article, Pope Paul VI’s mentioned “carnis” when regards to the food that people should abstain from during Lent.
The said Latin term supposedly refer only to mammals and birds – which fishes are not part of.
This may not be the exact reason regarding the food options in line with the Lenten season but, what will always be more important, is the sincerity in reaching out to God.
Sacrifices won’t matter if we keep on doing things that should not be done. On the other side, sacrifices, prayers, and good deeds will surely delight the Father. Have a meaningful Holy Week!