why do catholics eat fish on friday

Catholics eat fish on Fridays as a form of penance and to honor the day of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, which happened on a Friday. The tradition involves abstaining from eating the flesh of warm-blooded animals on Fridays, considering it a sacrifice and a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. Fish, being cold-blooded, is allowed as an alternative to meat. This practice dates back to the early Christian Church and has spiritual significance tied to sacrifice and mercy. The practice also helped shape historical economic trends like the growth of the fishing industry, but it is not rooted in a medieval pope's secret pact as some myths suggest. The Church primarily emphasizes abstaining from meat, not necessarily eating fish specifically, so other meatless foods are also acceptable.