Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and repentance in the Christian calendar leading up to Easter. On Ash Wednesday, Catholics and some Protestant denominations receive ashes on their foreheads in the sign of the cross as a reminder of human mortality and dependence on God’s mercy.
During Lent, many Christians commit to fasting or giving up certain indulgences like meat, sweets or alcohol. This is meant to replicate the Biblical story of Jesus Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry. However, the rules around what can and can’t be eaten during Lent are often confusing.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Western Christian calendar. It occurs 46 days before Easter, changing dates annually but falling in late February or early March.
The name comes from the symbolic marking of ashes on the foreheads of worshipers during Ash Wednesday services. Ashes remind people of human impermanence and invite them to repentance and renewal. The ashes represent dust from which God made humans according to Genesis 2:7.
Many Christians, including Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians and Anglicans, observe Ash Wednesday. It is not generally celebrated in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
Why Do Catholics Fast during Lent?
Fasting during Lent is a form of penance and self-denial. By giving up food and other indulgences, Catholics detach from worldly pleasures to deepen their relationship with God. It also commemorates Jesus Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the desert while being tempted by Satan according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.
Catholic law requires everyone over age 14 to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday during Lent. Fasting means only one full meal per day, plus two smaller meals that together don’t equal a full meal. No snacking between meals is allowed. But the rules don’t specify which foods to avoid, only portions.
The law around fasting and abstinence during Lent is binding for Catholics, but widely ignored today. Many Catholics choose their own form of self-denial or take up something positive like volunteering or donating to charity instead.
Do Catholics Have to Avoid Meat on Fridays in Lent?
Catholic law prohibits eating meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent for those age 14 and over. This commemorates Christ’s death on a Friday. Fish is permitted because it was seen as less indulgent than other meat in ancient times.
Eating meat on a Lenten Friday is considered a mortal sin unless one performs another act of penance instead. Many Catholics abstain from meat only on Good Friday, or all Fridays year-round. Others avoid meat entirely throughout Lent.
What Other Foods are Sometimes Avoided?
Beyond meat, some Catholics voluntarily give up other indulgences for Lent like:
- Sweets and desserts
- Alcohol
- Cheese and dairy
- Eggs
- Chocolate
Giving up favorite foods is meant to purify the body and turn attention to spiritual rather than earthly things. But no specific foods other than meat are prohibited by Catholic law.
Can You Resume Eating Meat after Ash Wednesday?
Yes, Catholics can resume eating meat right after Ash Wednesday ends. Only Fridays during the Lenten season and Good Friday require abstaining from meat. Many Catholics choose to give up meat for Lent, but this is considered a voluntary form of fasting rather than binding law.
After Ash Wednesday Mass ends, the Lenten fast begins. There’s no prohibition on eating meat for the rest of that day or on Thursdays. It’s only on Fridays that meat should be avoided. Fish, eggs, dairy and other animal products are permitted.
The tradition allows meals to still feel hearty while saving meat for weekend feasts. This replicates Jesus’ sacrifice every Friday while honoring his resurrection on Sundays.
What is a Suitable Lenten Fast?
Church law only requires fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and abstaining from meat on Fridays. But most Catholics adopt a broader Lenten fast. Options include:
- Avoiding desserts, alcohol, rich foods
- Not eating between meals
- Vegan or vegetarian diet Monday to Saturday
- Pescatarian diet, avoiding red meat
- Eating simpler, smaller meals
- Picking 1 or 2 indulgences to give up
There are many ways to fast that align with Lent’s call to self-reflection and preparation for Easter. The key is intentionally making a sacrifice that turns attention to faith.
Are There Exceptions to Fasting and Abstaining?
The law provides several exceptions from Lenten fasting and abstinence rules:
- Children under age 14
- People over 59 years old
- Pregnant or nursing women
- The sick or infirm
- People performing heavy labor
Those unable to fast should perform other acts of penance or charity. People accidentally forgetting to abstain from meat on a Friday can do another penance that same day instead.
Do Orthodox Christians Follow Different Rules?
Yes, rules differ between Eastern Orthodox and Western Catholic and Protestant churches.
Orthodox Lent begins four days earlier since Sundays aren’t counted. Orthodox abstain from meat, fish, eggs and dairy for the full 40 days before Easter. They also avoid oil and wine for most of this period.
Catholics are more likely to voluntarily give up specific indulgences while still eating fish on most days. Fasting rules are only binding on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday in the Catholic church.
Conclusion
While Ash Wednesday commences a season of fasting, abstaining from meat is only required on Fridays during Lent and Good Friday for Catholics over 14. Voluntary sacrifices like sweets, alcohol or meatless days can broaden the experience of self-denial. After Ash Wednesday, meat can be enjoyed again until Friday. Lent focuses the mind on spiritual goals, moderation and Christ’s sacrifice as Easter approaches. With planning and understanding of the traditions, Catholics can undertake a meaningful and sustainable Lenten fast.