The origin of the Cod tradition on Christmas Eve dates back to the 16th century when fasting was imposed by the Catholic Church until the 24th of December. You could not eat meat, and since Cod was the cheapest option it became the food of choice for the people at Christmas.
Why do Portuguese people eat cod on Christmas?
In the Middle Ages, since the Christian calendar had people feast close to the main religious holidays and also forbade meat consumption around the same time, the Portuguese began consuming fish and later on dry codfish, which was easy to access anywhere in the country, turning into the lord of Christmas.
Why do Portuguese eat fish on Christmas Eve?
The Portuguese needed fish for religious reasons – meat consumption was forbidden during Lent and on the many fasting days in the Catholic calendar. The Church’s rules on fasting are what led to the tradition of eating bacalhau on Christmas Eve (although octopus has replaced salt cod in some parts of the country).
What do Portuguese eat for Christmas?
Roasted lamb and goatling are the most common Christmas Day meals, although there are some regions where Portuguese eat turkey. Turkey was common in the past for wealthy families, and it was often eaten after the Midnight Mass.
What is a traditional Portuguese Christmas?
Father Christmas (‘Pai Natal’) is believed to bring presents to children on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day. The presents are left under the Christmas Tree or in shoes by the fireplace. However, some people say that the presents are brought by the Baby Jesus rather than Father Christmas.
Why is cod so popular in Portugal?
Cod was consumed more routinely inland, as sardines were eaten on the coast. The large-scale consumption of cod began in the 19th century – it was easy to preserve and transport to the interior of Portugal, unlike fresh fish. Thus, it started to get into Portugal’s diet.
What are 5 Christmas traditions in Portugal?
Find out some Portuguese Christmas traditions and live this celebration like a local!
- 1 – The Christmas Cribs. In Portugal, Christmas means the birth of Jesus.
- 2 – The Consoada.
- 3 – ‘Bolo Rei’ – The King Cake.
- 4 – The Mass of the Rooster.
- 5 – The Christmas Tree.
What is the 7 fishes of Christmas Eve?
Typical “fishes” include baccalà (salt cod), frutti di mare (shellfish), capitone (eel), calamari (squid), scungilli (conch meat) and vongole (clams). Fried vegetables are also a popular accompaniment to the fish; expect fried artichokes, pickled vegetables, fried squash blossoms, and other treats.
Where did the 7 fishes on Christmas Eve come from?
The tradition of eating fish on Christmas Eve comes from the Roman Catholic practice of not eating dairy or meat on the eve of some holidays, including Christmas. And the number seven is a symbol that’s repeated many times throughout the Bible – and in Catholicism, there are seven sacraments and deadly sins.
What religion eats fish on Christmas Day?
Catholics
Eating Fish on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve being one of the designated days on which to abstain, most good Catholics would eat fish, typically cooked in oil. In southern Italy and Sicily, fish is extremely abundant, which may explain why so much of it was added to Christmas Eve dinner.
What is the national dish in Portugal?
Bacalhau
Bacalhau
The national dish of Portugal, bacalhau is dried and salted codfish, which is usually soaked in milk or water before cooking.
What are the traditions of Portugal?
There are festivals of bread, olive oil, garlic, cheese, and wine, among others, with groups performing traditional dance and song. Some holidays mark political events in the country’s history, while a couple honor Mary, the mother of Jesus.
What time is dinner in Portugal?
In Portugal, restaurants open for lunch starting at 12:00 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. but don’t usually fill up until around 1:00 p.m. Dinner is most commonly taken at 9:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m., but restaurants do open as early as 7:00 p.m.
How do Portuguese celebrate Xmas?
Christmas Traditions In Portugal
It is called Missa do Galo and is held at the midnight of 24th December. After the mass, families get back home and exchange gifts. As a tradition, these gifts are brought by the little Jesus and they also put the baby Jesus in the family Creche.
What do Portuguese do on Christmas Day?
Most families go to midnight mass (Missa do Galo), although some churches have masses that take place a little earlier. A big part of midnight mass is kissing the baby Jesus, and everyone in the congregation will queue up to do so.
What are some interesting facts about Christmas in Portugal?
In Portugal, Christmas eve (the 24th) is the main day of celebration. The whole family gets together to eat food, drink port wine, and laugh into the early hours of the morning. Christmas day (the 25th) is a day of rest, with another big family meal, but this time with meat instead of fish.
Which country eats the most cod?
Countries That Eat the Most Fish
| Rank | Country | Value (Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 2,035,262.17 |
| 2 | Myanmar | 1,501,415.06 |
| 3 | Vietnam | 1,148,447.43 |
| 4 | Japan | 730,783.86 |
Is cod native to Portugal?
Cod is not found native to the coastline of Portugal and could only be fished from the distant and dangerous waters of Newfoundland. The seas surrounding Portugal are abundant with sardines, but these could not be salted.
Is cod fish Portuguese?
Although cod has been consumed since Viking times, cod fishing by the Portuguese dates back to the 14th century and is closely related to the maritime exploration undertaken at that time.
How do you say Merry Christmas in Portugal?
“feliz Natal!”
What is Santa called in Portugal?
Pai Natal
Children in Portugal call Santa Claus ‘Pai Natal‘. He is believed to bring presents on Christmas Eve either under the tree or in shoes by the fireplace. Although, some families do believe that the presents were brought by baby Jesus and not Pai Natal.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.