Why do Portuguese eat cod for Christmas?
The origin of the Cod tradition on Christmas Eve dates back to the 16th century when fasting imposed by the Catholic Church until the 24th of December. You could not eat meat, and since Cod was the cheapest option it became the food of choice for the people at Christmas.
What does bacalao mean in Portuguese?
cod
Bacalhau (Portuguese pronunciation: [bɐkɐˈʎaw]) is the Portuguese word for cod and—in a culinary context—dried and salted cod.
Why is cod fish so popular in Portugal?
In Portugal, the consumption of cod started in the 14th century – there were trade treaties between Portugal and England in which Portugal exchanged salt for cod. The large-scale consumption of cod began in the 19th century – it was easy to preserve and transport to the interior of Portugal, unlike fresh fish.
Do Portuguese put up Christmas trees?
The Pinheiro de Guimarães Christmas tree Nicholas take place and usually on the 29th of November there is a special ritual. Thousands of people from Guimarães and the Minho region gather around a bull cart that transports a very special load: a giant Christmas tree that is put up at the end of the night.
How is the Epiphany celebrated in Portugal?
The two-day celebrations, which start Friday and end Saturday with a Mass, include dancing around bonfires, a piper playing music and an elected “king” who distributes plentiful wine and snacks.
Who invented saltfish?
Salt fish was first introduced to the Caribbean in the 16th century. Vessels from North America—mainly Canada—would come bringing lumber and pickled and. They would then return to their homeland with Caribbean molasses, rum, sugar, and salt.
Is codfish the same as bacalao?
Bacalao (pronounced [bah-kah-LAH-oh]) is the Spanish term for dried and salted codfish. After the fish has been cleaned and eviscerated, it is salted and dried. It’s then sold whole or in fillets, with or without the bone.
Which country eats the most cod fish?
China
Countries That Eat the Most Fish
| Rank | Country | Value (Tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 2,035,262.17 |
| 2 | Myanmar | 1,501,415.06 |
| 3 | Vietnam | 1,148,447.43 |
| 4 | Japan | 730,783.86 |
Why do Portuguese eat fish on Christmas Eve?
The tradition of eating bacalhau on Christmas Eve has to do with the fact that, following Catholicism, the day before Christmas was a time when religious followers were supposed to abstain from eating meat.