Why do we not eat meat on Wednesday?

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Marilena

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I know a bit about it, but can anyone shed light as to why we don’t eat meat on Wednesday? Anyone know the history of it? Thanks for your help! 🙂
 
I can’t say about pre Vatican II and I know that at one time there was the practice of not eating meat on Wednesday’s, but if it’s like the no meat on Friday rule then it’s a for of penance. I know the Church recognizes that Wednesdays and Fridays are days of penance.
 
I just had a friend ask me this same question. I am unable to recall the historical significance of why Catholics used to fast on Wednesdays.

Anyone?
 
I think that possibly it relates back to “spy wednesday”. . .the date traditionally that Judas sold Jesus to the sanhedrin for the 30 pieces of silver, the day before Holy Thursday. To me it seems like a penitential practice.
 
I have never heard the term “Spy Wednesday” before. But it does make sense that fasting on Wednesday would be linked to the penance for Judas’ betrayal.
 
This fast is mentioned in the didache. Wednesday is to commemorate the betrayal of Christ and Friday is to commemorate His death.

I am not sure why you say we, are you an eastern Catholic? I don’t think the latin rite has the wednesday fast.
 
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