Western Christian Traditions: A Season of Feasting
In Western Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic and many Anglican churches, the period following Christmas is designated for continued celebration rather than fasting. This is rooted in the liturgical calendar, which views the Christmas season as a time of unbridled joy and feasting to commemorate the birth of Christ. For these traditions, the penitential period of fasting is observed during Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter, not after Christmas.
The Christmas Octave and the Twelve Days
- The Christmas Octave: The celebration of Christmas begins on December 25th and lasts for eight days, concluding on January 1st, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Throughout this octave, each day is treated as a solemnity, and feasting is the order of the day. The traditional rules of abstinence (like not eating meat on a Friday) are lifted if they fall within this period.
- The Twelve Days of Christmas: Beyond the octave, the Christmas season continues for twelve days, leading up to the Feast of Epiphany on January 6th. During this time, the spirit of celebration and feasting continues. The Epiphany marks the manifestation of Christ to the wider world, represented by the visit of the Magi.
Historical Context of Western Feasting
Historically, the celebratory nature of the post-Christmas period was reinforced to distinguish it from other times of fasting. As early as 567 CE, the Second Council of Tours explicitly forbade fasting between Christmas and Epiphany. This established a clear liturgical precedent that remains influential today, cementing the Christmas season as a time of joy and not penance.
Eastern Orthodox Traditions: A Different Rhythm
Eastern Orthodox Christianity follows a different liturgical calendar and fasting rhythm. Their fasting is primarily concentrated before Christmas, not after, though a specific fast does occur on January 5th.
The Nativity Fast
- Philip's Fast: Eastern Orthodox Christians observe the Nativity Fast (also known as Philip's Fast), which typically runs from November 15th to December 24th. This is a penitential season of preparation for Christ's birth, but it is generally less strict than Great Lent.
- Fast-Free Period: The period immediately following Christmas, from December 25th to January 4th, is considered a fast-free period in the Orthodox tradition. This allows for a joyful and festive celebration of Christ's nativity without the restrictions of fasting. The feasting that accompanies this period echoes the Western celebration but is situated within a different liturgical context.
Fasting on the Eve of Theophany
- Paramony: A single, strict fast day is observed on the Eve of Theophany (Epiphany), which falls on January 5th. Theophany is a major feast day, celebrating the baptism of Jesus and His manifestation as the Son of God. The paramony fast is a final day of preparation before this significant feast.
Comparison of Western and Eastern Practices
| Aspect | Western Christian Tradition (e.g., Catholic) | Eastern Orthodox Tradition |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting Period | No mandatory fast after Christmas. Fasting occurs during Lent. | Observes the Nativity Fast before Christmas (Nov 15 - Dec 24). |
| Post-Christmas Period | A celebratory Octave (Dec 25 - Jan 1) and the Twelve Days of Christmas (Dec 25 - Jan 6) are observed with feasting. | A fast-free period is observed from Dec 25 to Jan 4, followed by a strict fast. |
| Epiphany Connection | Epiphany on Jan 6th marks the culmination of the Christmas season. | Theophany (Epiphany) on Jan 6th is preceded by a strict fast on its eve (Jan 5). |
| Primary Feasting Time | Feasting is the focus during the entire post-Christmas period. | Feasting occurs during the fast-free period immediately following Christmas. |
Conclusion
To answer the question, "Do we fast after Christmas?" requires an understanding of different denominational practices. For most Western Christians, the period is dedicated to feasting and celebrating the Incarnation, an extension of the Christmas joy. For Eastern Orthodox Christians, the liturgical year includes a fast before Christmas and a specific fast on the Eve of Theophany, with a short fast-free period in between. In modern times, many practices are also a matter of personal devotion, but the historical and liturgical roots clearly show that for many, the post-Christmas period is a time of continued merriment, not penance. Ultimately, the practice depends on the specific faith tradition and personal spiritual guidance.
Why Fast at All?
Whether before or after Christmas, fasting has a core purpose in Christian theology across many traditions. It is seen as a way to prepare the soul for spiritual significance, empty oneself to make room for God, and practice self-discipline. It is not merely about physical deprivation, but about focusing one's attention away from worldly desires and toward spiritual ones. For Orthodox believers, the Nativity Fast prepares them for the arrival of Christ, while the fast on Theophany Eve prepares them for the celebration of Jesus's baptism. The discipline is considered a means, not an end, to draw closer to God.
Final Thoughts on the Christmas Calendar
The rhythm of feasting and fasting throughout the liturgical year reminds Christians of the dual nature of their faith: times of preparation and repentance followed by times of rejoicing. The differing timing of these periods around Christmas highlights the unique histories and theological developments within Western and Eastern churches. For individuals, understanding these traditions allows for a more informed and spiritually meaningful observance of the holiday season.
Optional Outbound Link
For more detailed information on the Nativity Fast, visit the Wikipedia article on the topic.
