Brits are only now learning why people eat fish on Good Friday (2025)

Good Friday sees many people ditch meat in favour of fish for the day, but not everyone knows why people make the diet choice on this particular day of the year

Confusion has arisen among many as to why it's customary to eat fish on Good Friday.

The sacred day falls today (April 18), with individuals across the globe indulging in seafood to commemorate the event. For those curious about this tradition, a straightforward explanation has been discussed.

The topic surfaced on Reddit, sparking considerable conversation. Users delved into the reasons behind the choice to partake in this typical Easter meal.

One individual commented: "Do practicing Christians HAVE to eat fish on Good Friday? Well, I'm a former Christian and now Agnostic, but feeling superstitious due to a rough month, and thought I should probably pay my dues to Uncle J today by abstaining from meat.

"The problem is I've been out with my dad and his friends all day, so I haven't had a chance to make food. Traditionally dinner with my mom would be salmon, but I live on my own. It's now midnight, I'm kind of ready to hit the sack, but a part of me thinks that one HAS to eat fish today. Like, you aren't meant to just sacrifice eating red meat and poultry, you specifically have to eat a symbolic fish while in prayer?"

Another user offered their perspective, stating: "No, you don't have to eat fish on Good Friday. Avoiding red meat and poultry on Fridays in general is mostly a Catholic tradition. Plenty of Christians don't follow it, especially protestants."

The topic of eating fish on Good Friday has sparked varied reactions online. One individual remarked: "No. They could chose the eat nothing or anything but meat. Since the traditional meal includes a protein, fish is the main protein of choice when meat is not available."

Another person joined the conversation, adding: "Even people who ascribe to the 'no meat on Good Friday' tradition (not Biblical imperative, but tradition) can just eat a salad. Nowhere does it say you have to eat fish."

Meanwhile, some commented with their personal experiences, like one who shared: "I'm Christian and literally don't know anyone who does this. That, I believe, is a Catholic thing. And it's no red meat, not must eat fish."

Why do people eat fish on Good Friday?

For Christians, Good Friday marks a significant day, remembering Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Many choose to eat fish as an act of abstaining from meat while still partaking in a meal.

However, it should be noted that this custom is not obligatory. It's a widely held belief to consume fish on Good Friday, yet it isn't universally practised. Many consider it more of a symbolic gesture than a strict rule.

The practice has its roots in the Catholic Church's historical prohibitions on meat consumption during Fridays, which has evolved over time.

Fish has become a popular alternative for those observing this custom, and the idea of a Good Friday meal has even spread beyond the Christian community, becoming a cultural event for some.

Certain Christian denominations adopt a more flexible approach to their dietary choices. For these groups, the act of refraining from meat holds greater significance than the specific food consumed on the day.

Fish and chips is a favoured meal for many in the UK, particularly on Good Friday. This tradition extends beyond the Christian community, with even non-Christians choosing to partake in a fish dish.