Lent is the 40-day period before Easter in the Christian calendar. During this time, many Christians abstain from eating meat on certain days as a form of fasting and penance. The exact rules around meat consumption during Lent vary between different Christian denominations and local customs. However, there are some common practices that apply to Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and other Christian groups.
When Does Lent Occur?
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and runs until Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. The length of Lent is 46 days, however, Sundays are not included in the Lenten fasting period. So for fasting purposes, Lent runs for 40 days. The dates change every year based on the date of Easter.
In 2023, the dates are:
- Ash Wednesday: February 22
- Lent Begins: February 22
- Lent Ends: April 8
- Easter Sunday: April 9
Abstaining from Meat on Fridays
Abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent is a common practice across many Christian denominations. For Catholics, it is considered a penitential practice and is defined in Canon Law. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops describes abstinence from meat on Fridays during Lent as follows:
Abstinence laws consider that meat comes only from animals such as chickens, cows, sheep or pigs — all of which live on land. Birds are also considered meat. Abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat. Thus, such foods as chicken broth, consomme, soups cooked or flavored with meat, meat gravies or sauces, as well as seasonings or condiments made from animal fat are technically not forbidden. However, moral theologians have traditionally taught that we should abstain from all animal-derived products (except foods such as gelatin, butter, cheese and eggs, which do not have any meat taste). Fish are a different category of animal. Salt and freshwater species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, (cold-blooded animals) and shellfish are permitted.
So on Fridays during Lent, Catholics aged 14 and older are expected to abstain from land animals and birds, including beef, pork, chicken, etc. Fish and shellfish are permitted.
Exceptions for Catholics
There are a few exceptions to the Friday meat abstinence rule for Catholics. Meat may be eaten on a Friday during Lent if:
- There is a special feast day for Catholics falling on a Friday
- St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) falls on a Friday during Lent
- You have a medical condition or allergy that requires eating meat
- You are exempt for other reasons determined by your local priest or bishop
Rules in Other Denominations
In many Protestant denominations, abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent is less strictly enforced. However, it is still a common custom. For example:
- Anglicans: Individuals decide for themselves how to observe Lent, but avoiding meat on Fridays is encouraged.
- Lutherans: Abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays is a common Lenten sacrifice.
- Methodists: Friday penance including meat avoidance is sometimes practiced.
Orthodox Christians also avoid meat, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and olive oil on strict fasting days during Lent. But the fasting requirements vary between different national Orthodox churches.
Abstaining from Meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
In addition to the Fridays of Lent, Catholics also traditionally abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) and Good Friday (the Friday before Easter).
On these two days, Catholics over the age of 14 must avoid eating land animals and birds. Fish and shellfish may be eaten. The same exceptions for medical needs, feast days, etc. apply on these fasting days.
For other Christian denominations, fasting and avoiding meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday is not compulsory but is frequently practiced as a spiritual exercise.
Limiting Meat Consumption
Many Christians also choose to limit their overall meat consumption during the Lenten season, even on days when meat is permitted. By cutting back on meat, they follow the tradition of fasting and sacrifice during this period.
Ways Catholics and other Christians may cut back on meat for Lent include:
- Going meatless on Wednesdays in addition to Fridays
- Only eating meat at one meal per day
- Eating smaller servings of meat
- Abstaining from red meat but allowing chicken or fish
- Following a vegetarian or vegan diet
What is Considered Meat?
For Catholics and others abstaining from meat during Lent, certain food guidelines apply in determining what is classified as meat.
Land mammals and birds are universally considered meat and must be avoided on no-meat days. These include:
- Beef
- Pork
- Lamb
- Goat
- Deer (venison)
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Duck
- Goose
- Quail
- Other birds
Fish and shellfish are permitted. Common examples include:
- Fish fillets or steaks (tilapia, cod, salmon, tuna, etc.)
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Lobster
- Clams
- Mussels
- Oysters
- Calamari (squid)
- Scallops
Broth or sauce made from meat, or foods containing small amounts of animal-derived ingredients are generally allowed. For example:
- Chicken broth
- Beef broth or bullion
- Meat gravies
- Soup made with chicken or beef stock
- Foods containing gelatin, rennet, or other animal enzymes
- Foods with butter, milk, cheese, or eggs
There are some gray areas when it comes to ingredients like meat-based gelatin or chicken stock that don’t contain visible meat. People should use their own judgment or consult their religious advisor about foods containing small amounts of meat products.
Purpose and Benefits of Fasting from Meat
Avoiding meat for spiritual purposes has been practiced for centuries in many religions. Here are some of the main reasons and benefits of fasting from meat during Lent:
- Penance and sacrifice: Giving up meat involves sacrifice and denial of pleasure which is seen as an expression of devotion to God.
- Spiritual discipline: Meat fasting helps build self-control and develop mastery over physical needs and desires.
- Express solidarity: Fasting together as a community strengthens bonds between people.
- Simplify life: Cutting out meat involves eating simpler, lighter meals which can be refreshing.
- Improve health: Reducing meat intake offers health benefits like lower cholesterol and decreased cancer risk.
- Aid environment: Eating less meat reduces strain on environmental resources and combats climate change.
Alternatives to Meat
For Catholics and other Christians abstaining from meat during Lent, there are many delicious and satisfying meatless options to choose from.
Seafood Dishes
Fish, shrimp, lobster and other types of seafood can replace meat in many classic dishes.
- Fish tacos or fish burritos
- Grilled salmon
- Fried catfish
- Shrimp scampi
- Crab cakes
- Tuna casserole or tuna melts
- Clam chowder
- Cioppino (seafood stew)
- Calamari
- Fish and chips
Vegetarian Mains
Meatless vegetarian meals offer excellent nutrition and variety.
- Cheese enchiladas
- Black bean burritos
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Vegetable Lasagna
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Portobello mushroom burger
- Cheese pizza
- Vegetable stir fry
- Pasta primavera
- Vegetable curry
Soups and Salads
From hearty vegetable soup to green leafy salads, these no-meat starters and light meals hit the spot.
- Minestrone soup
- Tomato soup and grilled cheese
- Vegetable chili
- Classic Caesar salad
- Garden salad
- Greek salad
- Caprese salad
- Broccoli cheddar soup
Creative Alternatives
For something different, try these innovative meatless options.
- Veggie burger or veggie dog
- Portobello mushroom fajitas or tacos
- Eggplant cutlets
- Cauliflower buffalo wings
- Grilled cheese with tomato soup
- Vegetable pot pie
- Quesadillas with beans, cheese, etc.
With a little creativity, you can enjoy fantastic meat-free cuisine during Lent!
Conclusion
The Lenten tradition of abstaining from meat offers important spiritual benefits as well as health advantages. While the exact rules differ between denominations, avoiding land meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Fridays is a widespread practice. Fish and shellfish are generally permitted. By making small sacrifices and developing self-discipline during Lent, Christians can deepen their faith and find new appreciation for simple meals shared with loved ones.
