Christmas Fast: What You Need to Know?
On November 28, Orthodox Christians begin the Nativity Fast. It lasts for 40 days, until January 6, and therefore, like the Great Lent, it is called a Quadragesima. It is also called the Fast of Philip: on November 27, when the abstinence (i.e., the last day before the fast when animal products can be consumed) takes place, the commemoration day of Saint Apostle Philip is celebrated.
HISTORY AND FEATURES
The establishment of the Nativity Fast dates back to the early times of Christianity. Evidence of this ancient tradition can be found in the writings of Augustine of Hippo (4th century) and Saint Leo the Great (5th century). Initially, there was no strict regulation of its duration. This situation persisted until 1166, when at a special council – under Patriarch Luke of Constantinople and Emperor Manuel of Byzantium – all Christians were advised to observe a forty-day fast before the Nativity of Christ. This rule has remained to this day.
The time of fasting is an opportunity to reflect on one's life, to approach the holiday purified from sins through repentance, prayer, and fasting. "The reason for the action of fasting on the spirits of malice lies in its strong effect on our own spirit. The body, tamed by fasting, gives the human spirit freedom, strength, sobriety, purity, and subtlety. Only in such a state can our spirit resist its invisible enemies… Fasting brings sobriety to the mind, and prayer is the weapon of the mind with which it drives away invisible adversaries. Fasting humbles the soul, and the prayer of the faster is uttered from the soul itself, directed from the depths of the heart, it elevates him to God», – wrote Saint Ignatius (Brianchaninov).
Clergy warn against reducing this observance to gastronomic aspects and diet. They remind that the goal is spiritual fasting, while bodily fasting is a means to achieve this goal. By restricting themselves in food, believers simultaneously pay more attention to prayer, abstain from passions and vices, fight their shortcomings, try to forgive grievances and help their neighbors, be lenient towards their weaknesses, and give up entertainment.
The measure of observance is aligned with one's own strength and degree of preparation for the fast. It is determined by the extent to which the church calendar is accepted as part of one's life. Regarding food restrictions during the Nativity Fast, meat, eggs, and dairy products (butter, cheese, milk) are prohibited. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, fish, wine, and vegetable oil are not allowed.
At the same time, this period is not considered as strict as Great Lent or the Dormition Fast. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, food with vegetable oil can be consumed. Fish dishes are permitted on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on major and church holidays, and on the days of great saints, if they fall on a Tuesday or Thursday. For example, the Presentation of the Most Holy Theotokos is a major feast of the Lord, celebrated on December 4th. This year it falls on a Thursday, meaning fish will be allowed. If a holiday falls on a Wednesday or Friday, then wine and vegetable oil may be consumed.
However, the church provides leniency for the sick, pregnant women, children, and people engaged in heavy physical labor. In general, monks observe the fast with exceptional strictness, while laypeople observe it after consulting with their spiritual advisor and considering their health.
Church rules do not prohibit believers from gathering at a festive table during the fast. Although New Year's is not a religious holiday, many churches hold a prayer service on New Year's Eve, after which parishioners gather for a Lenten meal.
The strictest period is from January 2 to 6; during these days, fish is not eaten even on Saturdays and Sundays. The last evening of the Nativity Fast, January 6, is called Christmas Eve. On this day, people try to abstain from food until the first evening star – in memory of the Star of Bethlehem, which showed the Magi the way to the birthplace of Christ. Only in the evening do they eat kutia – wheat grains soaked in water with various additives. This dish gave Christmas Eve its name. In the evening, believers go to church, where they celebrate the Nativity of Christ.
After the Divine Liturgy, they break their fast – they eat non-fasting food.
WHAT TO EAT?
The Nativity Fast is appropriate not only from a religious point of view. Dietary restrictions in December, on the eve of a series of holidays, will be beneficial to anyone. But, on the other hand, enduring the fast is not easy – after all, it falls on the gloomiest time of the year. In December, the daylight hours are shorter, we lack sunlight, so our mood can be at its lowest. Because of this, dietary restrictions can be perceived as particularly difficult. How to avoid this and observe the fast with benefit for body and spirit? First of all, you should not make typical mistakes.
The most common mistake is called vegetarian gluttony: to suppress hunger, many people start observing the prohibitions formally: they eat only plant-based food, but they eat a lot of it, choosing and combining dishes incorrectly. They indulge in cereals, potatoes, pasta, pickles, and marinades. Everything is plant-based, which means it's fasting food! As a result, they gain new kilograms during the weeks of the fast and fall into an even deeper depression.
This style of eating not only has nothing to do with Christian traditions but is also one of the most harmful. Eating cereals, potatoes, and pasta is recommended in moderation and together with foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants. The fact is that sweet, starchy, and salty foods not only increase weight but also cause real oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and damage to blood vessels and other body tissues. Free radicals in such food can only be neutralized by antioxidants.
Our ancestors did not possess such knowledge of nutrition, but nevertheless, they were excellent at dealing with free radicals. After all, the basis of their daily diet (especially during fasting) consisted of powerful antioxidants – vegetables. Our great-great-grandparents chose what would keep longer. The most popular were cabbage, onions, garlic, turnips, radishes, beets, carrots, and other gifts of nature. Remember: during fasting, every portion of porridge, pasta, and potatoes should be accompanied by something vitamin-rich. Greens and vegetables are perfect for this. You can make vinaigrette or salad. It is best to wash down such a meal with unsweetened tea or coffee. Sugar also has a strong oxidizing effect. Compotes, kissels, and other sweet drinks, unfortunately, have the same effect.
During this time, many prefer not to stand at the stove at home but to buy ready-made products or semi-finished products. There are many so-called lean products, 99% of which are soy-based. There is no consensus in the church now on whether soy should be consumed during fasting. Peas in all forms – from porridge to soaked – were very popular among our ancestors. Lentils, beans, and mushrooms are also high in protein. All of these should appear on your table more often.
Don't forget about Saturdays and Sundays. On these days of the week, as well as on major holidays, fish is allowed. It contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which are essential during the dark time of the year. Fatty fish varieties are rich in them, especially cod liver. There are few other sources of vitamin D among lean products. Perhaps whole grain bread and vegetable oil, but only unrefined. Use it during fasting even for cooking – it is a good source of other important substances.
Jars of pickles, tomatoes, and other marinades are popular during fasting. But this is unhealthy food. In ancient times, preservation was done only by the open method – under pressure. This is how cucumbers and other vegetables were salted, cabbage was fermented, and apples and berries were soaked. This process involved fermentation, and they did not lose their beneficial properties. Such preserves are very good during fasting.
Sweets are forbidden during Lent, as they are for pleasure, not for curbing the flesh. But if you cannot do without them, it is much healthier to eat traditional treats like pastila instead of jam. In the past, when sugar was rare and expensive, this product was made from apples and berries without any additives.