Question

What had people traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve before TURKEY?

Answer 1

Prior to the turkey tradition Christmas fare included roast swan, pheasants and peacocks. A special treat was a roast boars head decorated with holly and fruit. Henry VIII was the first English king to enjoy turkey, although Edward VII made eating turkey fashionable at Christmas.

Answer 2

Before the introduction of turkey as a popular Christmas dish, the specific culinary traditions on Christmas Eve varied depending on the region and cultural background. Here are a few examples of traditional Christmas Eve meals from different parts of the world:

1. Europe:

   • England: Roast beef, goose, or sometimes boar.
   • Italy: The Feast of the Seven Fishes (La Vigilia), featuring an array of seafood dishes such as baccalà (salted cod), eel, clams, and shrimp.
   • Scandinavia: Lutefisk (dried fish treated with lye), herring, or other seafood.

2. Latin America:

   • Mexico: Tamales, bacalao (salted cod), romeritos (a Mexican herb), and ponche (a warm fruit punch).
   • Brazil: Bacalhau (salted cod), rice, and assorted salads.
   • Puerto Rico: Lechón asado (roast pig), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), and pasteles (a type of tamale).

3. Eastern Europe:

   • Poland: Wigilia, a meatless meal featuring dishes like pierogi (dumplings), borscht (beet soup), mushroom dishes, and sauerkraut.
   • Ukraine: Kutia (a sweet grain pudding), varenyky (dumplings), and fish.

These are just a few examples, and there are countless other regional traditions and variations around the world. Turkey became a popular Christmas dish in many countries, particularly in North America, during the 19th and 20th centuries.