Christians hold Good Friday in high regard as a solemn and holy day. People who observe Good Friday can eat in a few different ways. Good Friday is a day of fasting and abstinence for many Catholics. My best friend Hyacinth explained it this way: “putting food aside.” On Good Friday, some people only eat seafood, just like they do every Friday during Lent. They don’t eat any meat, chicken, or pork. Still others take a vegetarian/meatless approach, forsaking all meat of every kind. I was raised as an Episcopalian and now attend a Presbyterian church. Over the years, I’ve learned that how people eat on Good Friday is very personal.
Beef, pork, chicken, and other meats are verboten on Good Friday, but fish is permissible for many observers. Here are a few options if that’s the way you like to go!.
Tuscan Bean Soup with Shrimp. If it’s still a little chilly where you live, this is a cozy, satisfying Good Friday fish dish.
Seafood Pasta in a Foil Package. This package of deliciousness is all you need if you want to serve a fancy seafood dinner to people you’re having over tonight. To finish the dish, you put the seafood in heavy-duty foil with al dente pasta and cook it in the oven. The tomato sauce is light. Oh my heavens.
Ready for a quick and easy fish dish for Good Friday? Try Shrimp Tacos. They’re great for the whole family or for guests.
And one of my very favorites: Lemon Basil Shrimp Risotto. So lovely and citrusy and comforting. I love this one!.
Still other observers of Good Friday take the meatless route. Here are five of my favorites from that category.
Zucchini Noodles. I just posted this last week, and it’s one of my favorite easy, ultra-light veggie dishes. All you need is a vegetable peeler.
Heavenly Hummus Wrap. Mmmm…hummus, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, caramelized red onions, feta…all rolled up in a spinach tortilla.
Kale Citrus Salad. So light, so flavorful, so absolutely delightful. This salad is probably the one I would choose to eat every day for the rest of my life. Never gets old!.
Spicy Cauliflower Stir Fry. A quick-and-easy, seriously meatless dish that’s so addictive, I once made it four times in one week. It really is that good.
Also, don’t forget to send Hot Cross Buns to your family and friends today! It’s a lovely Good Friday tradition.
Wherever you are today and whatever you’re doing, I hope you have a blessed Good Friday, friends.
Good Friday is one of the most sacred days on the Catholic calendar. It marks the day that Jesus Christ was crucified and died for our sins. For Catholics, Good Friday is a solemn day of fasting, abstinence, and reflection on Christ’s sacrifice. But what exactly are the rules around fasting and abstinence on Good Friday? Can you eat bacon and other meats? Let’s take a look at what the Catholic church says.
Why Do Catholics Fast on Good Friday?
Fasting on Good Friday is an important way for Catholics to recognize the sacrifices Jesus made for humankind. By fasting, Catholics identify with the suffering of Christ and unite themselves with His passion and death on the cross
Fasting on Good Friday is also a way to prepare for Easter Sunday, which marks Jesus’ resurrection. The deprivation of Good Friday makes the joy of Easter even greater.
The Fasting Rules for Good Friday
The Catholic church asks all Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 to fast on Good Friday. Fasting means limiting yourself to one full meal during the day, with no food in between meals.
But the rules do let you have two smaller snacks during the day if you need to keep your strength up. So you can have three minimal food intakes on Good Friday:
- One full meal
- Two smaller snacks
The two smaller snacks together should not equal a full meal. Food and liquids like water, coffee, tea, and juice are permitted at any time.
People with medical conditions, pregnant or nursing women and those with strenuous jobs are generally exempt from fasting but still asked to limit food where possible.
Abstaining from Meat on Good Friday
Catholics aged 14 and up must not only fast on Good Friday, but they must also not eat meat. This includes beef, pork, chicken, and turkey. Meat includes the flesh and organs of land animals and birds.
However, meat derivatives like milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs are permitted. Fish and shellfish are also allowed.
So no bacon, ham, or beef on Good Friday, but seafood dishes and meatless meals are perfectly acceptable.
Why Abstain from Meat on Good Friday?
Abstaining from meat on Good Friday has theological significance for Catholics. On Good Friday, Catholics remember Christ’s passion and death as the ultimate sacrifice to save humanity.
By abstaining from meat, Catholics reflect on the flesh sacrifice of Christ on the cross. They unite their small sacrifice to Christ’s infinite one.
Friday abstinence also evokes the day of Christ’s death. Jesus was crucified and died on a Friday.
Abstaining from meat is a tangible way Catholics commemorate Good Friday for Christ. The deprivation serves as a reminder of His sacrifice.
What About Eggs and Dairy on Good Friday?
As mentioned earlier, eggs, milk, cheese, cream, and other dairy products are considered meat derivatives, not actual meat. So they are permitted on Good Friday when meat is not allowed.
This means food items made with eggs and dairy like quiche, grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, and eggs Benedict make good meatless options for Good Friday meals.
Seafood dishes are also perfectly acceptable for Good Friday. Some traditional Good Friday fish recipes include:
- Baked salmon
- Tuna casserole
- Shrimp scampi
- Crab cakes
- Fish tacos
- Seafood chowder
Meatless pasta dishes, vegetarian curries, bean soups, and hearty salads also make satisfying meat-free meals for Good Friday.
Are There Exceptions to the Good Friday Fasting Rules?
The Catholic church does exempt certain groups from the fasting and abstinence requirements on Good Friday:
- Children under 14
- People over 59
- Pregnant or nursing women
- The sick or infirm
- People with physically demanding jobs
However, those who are exempt are still asked to practice fasting and abstinence to some degree where health permits. For example, abstaining from meat during one meal rather than the whole day.
The church also acknowledges that some people have medical conditions requiring meat in their diet. These individuals are not bound to abstain from meat, although they are asked to perform some other act of penance or charity.
Ultimately, each Catholic is called to be mindful of the meaning of Good Friday and participate in fasting and abstinence as they are able.
Are the Fasting Rules Different in Some Countries?
Yes, in certain countries the Catholic church has modified the fasting and abstinence rules for Good Friday. For example:
- In Ireland, Catholics abstain from meat but are not required to fast.
- In Australia, fasting and abstaining from meat are only encouraged, not mandated.
- The bishops of England and Wales eliminated all mandatory fasting and abstinence.
So the exact fasting and abstinence practices on Good Friday can vary by location. Check with your local diocese for the specific guidelines in your area.
The important thing is to observe Good Friday in a spirit of solemn remembrance and sacrifice, as you are able.
Can You Eat Bacon on Good Friday? The Short Answer
Now to address the original question – no, bacon is not allowed on Good Friday when Catholics are asked to abstain from meat.
As pork, bacon is considered a meat product. So cooking up a few strips of bacon alongside your eggs on Good Friday would technically break the rules around Friday abstinence.
Now, the Catholic church does acknowledge that sometimes an act of charity or necessity may constitute a valid reason for not abstaining from meat. In that case, eating some bacon or other meat wouldn’t be considered sinful.
However, for most practicing Catholics, it’s best to avoid meat including bacon on Good Friday. Breakfast meats like eggs, dairy, cereal, fruit, pancakes, French toast, and pastries make tasty alternatives.
The Spirit of the Law, Not Just the Letter
When considering the Catholic fasting and abstinence rules for Good Friday, it helps to remember why these practices exist in the first place – to commemorate Christ’s passion and death on the cross.
By fasting and abstaining from meat, you unite yourself in a small way with Christ’s great sacrifice for humanity.
So while the specific food regulations are important, focusing on the deeper spiritual meaning of Good Friday asceticism is what really matters. Make this a day of solemn remembrance, reverent worship, prayer, and thanksgiving for God’s grace.
If for medical reasons you cannot fully fast or abstain from meat, find other meaningful ways to observe this holy day. Donate time or resources to your church or charity. Read scripture about Christ’s passion. Attend Mass and participate in the liturgy.
Follow the Good Friday fasting rules to the best of your ability. But above all, take time to reflect on the awe-inspiring sacrifice of Jesus Christ and what it represents for you as a Catholic.
What Can U Eat On Good Friday?
FAQ
Can you eat bacon on Easter Friday?
What meat can you eat on Good Friday?
Can I eat eggs on Good Friday?
Is it a sin to eat meat on Good Friday?
Can you eat bacon on Good Friday?
Good Friday is a solemn day for Christians around the world, as it marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. For many Catholics, it is also a day of fasting and abstinence from meat. But what about bacon? Can you indulge in this beloved breakfast food on Good Friday? The answer may surprise you.
Is Good Friday a day of abstinence?
Under the current rules for fasting and abstinence in the Catholic Church, Good Friday is a day of abstinence from all meat and foods made with meat for all Catholics age 14 and over.
Can you eat a full meal on Good Friday?
Additionally, Catholics between 18 and 59 years old are expected to fast on Good Friday, which means they are only meant to eat one full meal. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) does say that some food at other mealtimes may be permitted if necessary. “Fasting on these days means we can have only one full, meatless meal.