Italian Christmas

Jenna Trilli '21

December 2019

Across America, people celebrate christmas in many ways with different traditions and customs. I am fortunate to be Italian, celebrating christmas with the Feast of the Seven Fishes. The origin for the Feast of the Seven Fishes came from Southern Italy.This dinner is usually held on Christmas Eve, and can include not only just seven, but up to eleven or twelve kinds of seafood. It comes from the Italian tradition of a meatless meal. The fish is incorporated in the form of soups, appetizers, pasta dishes and entrees. Eating fish on Christmas Eve is a Catholic tradition. One of the most common fish served on this day, and my favorite, is Baccala. The Feast of the Seven Fishes not only shows Italian tradition, but also displays a huge importance to Italian culture, family and religion. People celebrate Christmas in many ways, this is what makes the holiday season so beautiful. From my family to yours, Buon Natale!