Holy Saturday, the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, is a particularly solemn day in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the day that Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after his crucifixion. Many Christians observe Holy Saturday by fasting or abstaining from meat as a way to remember Christ’s sacrificial death. This raises the question – is it okay to eat chicken on Holy Saturday, or should Christians abstain from it?
What is Holy Saturday?
Holy Saturday is the Saturday following Good Friday, which commemorates the day Jesus was crucified and died on the cross. It marks the day that Christ’s body lay in the tomb after his death, before his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Holy Saturday is sometimes referred to as Easter Saturday or the Saturday before Easter.
The Catholic Church considers Holy Saturday a day of mourning and waiting, as Jesus descended to the dead on this day to liberate the just who had died before his redemption. Many Christians observe Holy Saturday by fasting, prayer, and reflection on the somber nature of the day. No masses are held on Holy Saturday, with the exception of the Easter Vigil mass held on the evening of Holy Saturday. The tabernacle is left empty and open to signify the Lord’s burial.
Key Details About Holy Saturday:
- Falls the day after Good Friday and before Easter Sunday
- Commemorates the day Jesus’ body lay in the tomb after his crucifixion
- Observed by many Christians as a solemn day of fasting and mourning
- No regular Catholic masses held on this day
- The final day of the Paschal Triduum, or three days leading up to Easter
Remembering the significance of Holy Saturday provides context for whether or not eating chicken is appropriate on this solemn and reflective day.
Is Eating Meat Allowed on Holy Saturday?
Whether or not eating meat is allowed on Holy Saturday depends on one’s specific religious traditions. Within Catholicism, Holy Saturday is traditionally treated as a fasting day, during which Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are meant to abstain from eating meat. However, the strictness of fasting and abstaining from meat varies among different Catholic national traditions.
Here are some guidelines around consuming meat on Holy Saturday within Catholicism:
- In the United States, Catholics treat Holy Saturday as a day of fasting, meaning only one full meal and two smaller meals are permitted. Meat is not allowed to be eaten.
- In some European countries, such as Italy and Spain, the Good Friday fasting and abstaining from meat is extended through Holy Saturday.
- The bishops of England and Wales ended the obligation to abstain from meat on Holy Saturday in 1984, so eating meat is permissible.
- Some Eastern Catholic Churches forbid the consumption of meat, eggs, and dairy on Holy Saturday.
Outside of Catholicism, practices vary greatly around meat consumption on Holy Saturday. Some Protestant denominations observe a period of fasting leading up to Easter, while others do not have any prohibitions against eating meat. Orthodox Christians also abstain from meat, dairy, oil, and wine during Holy Week.
Ultimately, whether or not one eats meat should align with their specific faith background and church guidance. Many still see value in continuing the traditional fast through Holy Saturday, even if not strictly mandated anymore.
Is Eating Chicken Allowed on Holy Saturday?
Given that Holy Saturday is treated as a day of fasting by many Catholics, eating chicken would traditionally be prohibited, as chicken is considered a meat. Even in areas where the Catholic Church no longer specifically restricts meat consumption on Holy Saturday, chicken would still be avoided by those observing a traditional fast.
However, some important notes on whether chicken can be eaten include:
- Chicken is permitted on Holy Saturday in places where the obligation to abstain from meat has been lifted, such as in England and Wales.
- In the United States and other areas where Catholics are meant to fast on Holy Saturday, chicken should be avoided during the main meal but potentially could be consumed in smaller amounts during the smaller meals.
- Some Catholics may make exceptions for things like chicken broth, or very small tastes of chicken, but consuming a full chicken meal would be inappropriate during fasting.
- Orthodox Christians, who abstain from all meat, would not consume chicken on Holy Saturday.
Ultimately, consulting one’s local religious customs is important, as norms on whether chicken is allowed can vary by location and between individual churches. Many still avoid chicken and meat altogether on Holy Saturday even if not obliged to do so, as a way to maintain the reflective nature of the day.
What Foods Are Appropriate to Eat on Holy Saturday?
If observing a traditional fast on Holy Saturday, appropriate foods include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Grains like bread, pasta, rice or oats
- Dairy products (for Catholics, avoidance of dairy depends on national customs)
- Fish and seafood
- Eggs
- Soups and broths using non-meat ingredients
- Herbs, spices, oils and sauces to flavor food
Many meals eaten on Holy Saturday consist of simple, mild dishes focused on vegetables, breads, fish and eggs. Some popular fasting options include:
- Vegetable or bean soup
- Salads topped with egg or seafood
- Baked or roasted vegetables
- Rice or potato side dishes
- Pasta with olive oil or clam sauce
- Grilled or baked fish
- Shrimp or shellfish
- Fruit salads or light desserts
Even in areas where meat is allowed, many Catholics and Christians choose to observe the Holy Saturday fast by eating simple meals focused around fish, vegetables, breads and eggs. These lighter options help encourage an atmosphere of reflection.
Is There a Special Easter Meal on Holy Saturday?
There is no specific or required Easter meal for Holy Saturday. However, some families choose to eat symbolic foods on Holy Saturday in preparation for Easter. Examples include:
- Eggs: Represent new life and Jesus’ resurrection
- Lamb: Symbol of Jesus as the sacrificial lamb
- Bread and wine: Signify the Last Supper and Jesus’ body and blood
- Horseradish: Reminds of the bitter herbs at Passover
- Pretzels: Arms crossed in prayer; medieval Catholics ate these on Holy Saturday
Foods like eggs, breads, lamb, wine, and bitter herbs connect back to Easter and Passover themes. Some families serve a symbolic Easter meal on Holy Saturday evening following church services. However, there is no set Holy Saturday menu. Simple fasting fare during the day and lighter, symbolic foods in the evening are most traditional.
Traditions and Customs for Holy Saturday
In addition to fasting and restraint from meat, other Holy Saturday traditions include:
- Attending church services such as the Easter Vigil Mass
- Morning prayer and Scripture reading
- Reflection on Jesus’ death and preparations for the resurrection on Easter
- Decorating Easter eggs as a symbol of new life
- Preparing the Paschal candle which will be lit during Easter services
- Blessing the food that will be eaten on Easter Sunday
- Processing the stenosis, or burial shroud of Jesus, within the church
Holy Saturday is a solemn day of mourning mixed with joyful anticipation of the resurrection. Many refrain from loud celebrations or parties out of reverence for Christ’s passion and death. Quiet time with family, prayer, spiritual reading and attending church services are most appropriate.
Conclusion
In summary, traditionally Catholics and many other Christian denominations would refrain from eating meat, including chicken, on Holy Saturday. This aligned with Holy Saturday being a day of fasting to commemorate Jesus lying in the tomb after his crucifixion. However, strictures around meat have been relaxed in recent decades in some churches. Consulting local religious customs remains important. While chicken may be permitted in some modern circumstances, many still abstain from meat altogether on Holy Saturday to maintain the reflective nature of the day. Simple meals of vegetables, fish, eggs and bread are traditional and symbolic foods like lamb, eggs and bread can hold Easter significance. Holy Saturday is ultimately centered around solemn remembrance and preparation for the glory of Easter to follow.
