As the traditional period of lent came to an end on Holy Thursday, Saint Lucians; Christians and non-Christians alike, could be seen scrambling to the sea-side, the markets and supermarkets in search of fish. In particular Mackerel, which has become a tradition at this time of year.
From what we have learnt, while Christ walked the earth, making “fishers of men” meat was a luxury food. On the other hand, anyone could grow vegetables or catch a fish in a lake or a stream. And so the act of fasting or giving up meat in favour of fish was seen as a real sacrifice, a tradition carried through to this day. Except for one little thing; we are not sure that fish is still poor man’s food as it once was. Have you checked the price lately? Ah well we guess the real sacrifice now is the hefty price we have to pay for some good fish. (photo Bill Mortley).
