In many cultures, eggs, including Christianity, have been associated with rebirth, renewal, and fertility. In Christianity, eggs symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But if eggs have significance in Christianity, is eating them forbidden during Lent? Can you eat eggs during Lent?
If eggs symbolize rebirth and fertility in Christianity and Easter, why were they forbidden? Decorated Easter eggs have become an essential part of traditional Christian Easter celebrations.
Let’s explore whether eggs can be eaten during Lent or not. If they were forbidden, what was the purpose behind it?
Can You Eat Eggs During Lent?
Traditionally, Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. They eat less on these two sacred days. During Lent, adult Catholics over 14 eat one or two smaller meals during the day. Traditionally, it was forbidden to eat dairy products and meat during Lent. Fasting is associated with giving up staple meals, especially meat, as it is considered luxurious.
Fasting detoxes and cleanses the body. During Lent, from Ash Wednesday and the following 40 days, it is not acceptable to eat meat. But can you eat eggs during Lent? Meat is advised to be avoided during Lent because it was considered a luxurious meal then. Eggs, Milk, and bread are no longer forbidden meals.
Fasting varies from person to person. For example, pregnant women, children under 14, and older adults who are not compatible with strict fasting can eat whatever they are advised to eat by doctors.
Can You Eat Eggs On Friday During Lent?
Eggs, Milk, grains, fish, and fruits can be eaten during Lent. You can either have a proper meal once a day or small portions twice a day. Forty days of fasting is a very long time, and a proper diet is a must to keep up the energy in the body.
Back then, eggs were a great source of protein. They were a great source of protein for those who could not afford to eat lamb, chicken, turkey, pork, and beef as regular meals. Fasting means giving up a luxurious meal and cleansing your body. During Lent, eating red meat and chicken is not acceptable, but you can have eggs, fish, and fruits to keep you energetic during fasting.
You can add alternative foods to your diet to stay energetic during Lent. There were fewer options back then, but now you can alter your diet according to your preferences.
Eggs From Fasting to Creating Abundance
Eggs were an essential part of most people’s meals back then. Decorated eggs were taken to the church for Easter celebrations. Meat was expensive back then, and not everyone was blessed enough to eat meat daily. Eggs were an alternative to protein.
Decorating eggs during the celebration made them a significant part of the tradition. Eggs are substantial but not forbidden as they were staples and alternate protein sources for most people. Not everyone was rich, but every Catholic celebrated Ash Wednesday and Good Friday wholeheartedly. People of all social statuses celebrated lending in their own ways.
Nowadays, Easter is celebrated with a big brunch meal. Families and friends celebrate it with joy. Eggs are even a central part of the Easter brunch meal, too. So, do not worry about eating eggs during lending. Fasting is related to simplicity, so having meat during lending is forbidden.
Cheese During Lent
Eggs and dairy products like cheese and Milk are not forbidden during Lent. As we have discussed, red meat like lamb, turkey, chicken, beef, and pork are forbidden. Meat was considered a luxury food not everyone could afford as a regular meal back then.
Cheese and other dairy products can be eaten on all days during Lent. If you do not eat meat in your daily meals during fasting for 40 days, you should have a balanced meal to maintain energy.
Cheese, Milk, grains, fish, and fruits can be part of your meal during Lent.
During Lent, there are some exceptions for the elderly and pregnant women. Strict rules do not apply if a person is sick.
Alternative Meals during Lent
On Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays during Lent, a balanced diet of eggs, fruits, and fish can be followed.
Fish can be an excellent alternative to meat. If you want to eat meat only partially, add eggs to your meal to give you enough protein throughout the day.
If you can have a vegetarian meal, try to create a balanced meal with salad, tofu, beans, potatoes, and pasta.
If you are going to eat once a day, then try to have a properly balanced meal. Shrimp Skewers, fish and chips, Quinoa Salad, and salmon fish can be part of your meal.
Take Away
Fasting is associated with detoxification and cleansing of the mind and body. It is advised to have a simple and balanced meal once a day. You can eat small portions twice daily if you cannot fast strictly.
Meat is related to luxury. Traditionally, not everyone could afford to eat meat, and eggs were an alternate source of protein.
But can you eat eggs during lending? You can eat eggs, fish, grains, and fruits during lending. A 40-day fast is strict, and a proper diet is essential for strength and energy. Eggs were never considered a rich and luxurious meal. Eggs are significant in many aspects of Christianity, but they are not at all forbidden during lending.
FAQs
Do eggs count as meat?
Eggs do not count as meat. They are an alternate source of protein. Traditionally, eggs were a staple for people who could not afford to eat daily. Eggs are a good source of protein but do not count as meat because they are not made from the flesh of animals.
Is egg veg or not?
Eggs are not counted as nonvegetarian food as they do not contain any form of flesh from animals. Eggs do not fit the nonvegetarian category, so they are considered vegetarian.