Tradition dates back to the first centuries of Christianity, where abstinence from meat is seen as an act of humility and spiritual discipline.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent on the Christian calendara 40-day period of reflection, penance and preparation for Easter. On this day, millions of Catholics around the world, including in Brazil, observe practices such as fasting and abstinence from meat, symbolizing the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. But, after all, is it allowed to eat meat on that date? According to the norms of the Roman Catholic Church, the answer is no, with few exceptions.
The tradition dates back to the first centuries of Christianity, where abstinence from meat – especially land animals such as beef, pork, chicken and turkey – is seen as an act of humility and spiritual discipline. Meat is associated with feasts and abundance, and renouncing it serves to “curb lust and educate the senses”, as Saint Thomas Aquinas explained. In contrast, fish, seafood, eggs, and dairy products are permitted as they do not meet the liturgical definition of “meat.”
The rules are clear in the Code of Canon Law: on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics over the age of 14 must abstain from meatwhile fasting – limited to one full meal and two smaller meals – is mandatory for those between 18 and 59 years old.
In Brazil, the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB) reinforces these guidelines, but allows substitution on common Fridays during Lent for works of charity or extra prayers. Exceptions to fasting include the sick, pregnant women, nursing mothers, manual workers or intellectuals with intense activities, but these groups must still observe abstinence from meat, unless medical or pastoral exemption.
This practice is not exclusive to Ash Wednesday: throughout Lent, Fridays are abstinence daysencouraging options such as fish and vegetables. The date is mobile, depending on the lunar calendar, and in 2026, for example, it will fall on February 18th – coincidentally, the current date at the time of this query. For the faithful, the focus goes beyond dietary restrictions: it is an invitation to prayer, charity and inner conversion.
*text generated with the help of artificial intelligence
