CHRISTMAS EVE; FASTING AND ABSTINENCE
CHRISTMAS EVE FASTING AND ABSTINENCE Christmas Eve is a day of fasting until after Midnight Mass. The French follow Midnight Mass, the end of fasting, with Reveillon, which varies according to the region - generally, a meal including ham, roast capon, salads, cakes, (most frequently, a Buche Noel). Interestingly, the custom of the Italians is to observe the fast of Christmas Eve with the Feast of the Seven Fishes - no meat - but different fish dishes. The Poles have traditional dishes and customs that vary with the region. However, what is notable is that the Poles precede the meal with a reading of the Gospel - a custom that is quite lovely. LE GROS SOUPER The traditional feast for Christmas Eve in Provence is a fasting meal, with a light garlic soup, (Aigo Buido), followed by steamed fish, or fish fried in butter, served with spinach or a salad. Upon return from Midnight Mass, however, the Thirteen Desserts are set out on a table laid with three tablecloths, for the family members to...