Tim_the_Soldier (aka thread killer and nun thriller) (mail):
At least you didn't take your nephew to the shop, get the fish to the vet, took the puppy to Ash Weds services and rush home just in time to babysit a late model Buick. That kind of day would suck, and probably be directed by David Lynch.
Okay - why do you eat fish on Ash Wednesday? And is it the same reason you eat fish on Friday during Lent? I'm sorry, where I grew up the Conquistadores at the 'church' said "BECAUSE THE BIBLE SAYS SO" - while forcing ALL children to eat fish (whether Protestant, non-denom, Jewish, or Pagan).
I've read one of the early saints only ate fish and abstained from all other forms of animal protein. I've never seen anywhere in the bible that you have to eat fish, let alone on a specific day. Curiousity, you see...
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. It is a movable observance, six and one-half weeks before Easter. It was set as the first day of Lent by Pope St. Gregory the Great (590-604) with the extension of an earlier and shorter penitential season to a total period including 40 weekdays of fasting before Easter. It is a day of fast and abstinence when ashes are blessed and imposed on the foreheads of the faithful to remind them of their obligation to do penance of sins, to seek spiritual renewal by means of prayer, fasting, good works and by bearing with patience and for God’s purposes the trials and difficulties of everyday life. The ashes are used to mark the forehead with the Sign of the Cross, with the reminder: “Remember you are dust, and to dust you will return,” or: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” An excellent article on this topic is available in the on-line Catholic Encyclopedia.
The eating of fish – in those areas where seafood has traditionally been easily obtained – began as a satisfactory alternative to eating meat. As it provides a suitable replacement, fish (and seafood in general) became a virtual staple in many areas. There are different opinions as to whether active symbolism is involved, but in general the popularity of fish is merely as an appropriate form of abstinence. It is worth noting, of course, that in those areas where fish is abundant and highly varied, other foods might be considered; equally, the substitution of lobster, crab legs or paella for chicken might not be viewed as being especially penitential.
I know what the ashes are, thanks. And if I'm not mistaken (or my local 'church' as a child was chintzy, or juse bassackwards - well proven by now) the ashes come from burning the palm fronds of previous Palm Sundays.
I do still have a terrible will issue where I have to remind myself - it's not "dirt", don't tell them they have something on their heads, etc. I have to remind myself it's Ash Wednesday and that it's supposed to be there. ;)
I've read one of the early saints only ate fish and abstained from all other forms of animal protein. I've never seen anywhere in the bible that you have to eat fish, let alone on a specific day. Curiousity, you see...
The eating of fish – in those areas where seafood has traditionally been easily obtained – began as a satisfactory alternative to eating meat. As it provides a suitable replacement, fish (and seafood in general) became a virtual staple in many areas. There are different opinions as to whether active symbolism is involved, but in general the popularity of fish is merely as an appropriate form of abstinence. It is worth noting, of course, that in those areas where fish is abundant and highly varied, other foods might be considered; equally, the substitution of lobster, crab legs or paella for chicken might not be viewed as being especially penitential.
I do still have a terrible will issue where I have to remind myself - it's not "dirt", don't tell them they have something on their heads, etc. I have to remind myself it's Ash Wednesday and that it's supposed to be there. ;)