Tradtion of Collop Monday.

Lenten Customs and Traditions 

Tradition of Collop Monday:  COLLOP MONDAY? 

Many customs, traditions, signs and symbols have been connected with the seasons of Lent and Eastertide. As Catholics, it is valuable to be aware and appreciate our heritage, since they have had strong Christian roots.  We can learn from our heritage and adjust some of these to our personal and community Lenten journey.

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Many years ago, meat had to be preserved through the winter by salting it. Lent in the northern hemisphere occurred as the season of spring arrived. 

On Collop Monday, the last pieces of ham (and bacon) referred to as 'collops' were eaten. This tradition was practical in nature, since fasting from all meat and dairy products at that time was mandatory during Lent. In the tradition of Collop Monday, did you enjoy bacon and eggs for breakfast, or are you going to have a dish which includes ham for lunch or dinner?

COLLOP MONDAY AND ITS RELEVANCE TODAY.

So how is this tradition on Collop Monday relevant for our Lenten journey for 2010?  It may be impractical for us to fast from all dairy products and all meats in Lent. However, fasting from some or all of these products might be considered as we plan our Lenten menus. This might be achieved by:

1. · Restricting the number of cappuccinos, lattes, short black and the like, drunk during the week. For someone like myself who loves a cappuccino, it is not a trivial penance!!!!
2. Refraining from butter/margarine on either one or two pieces of toast at breakfast or on the sandwich at lunchtime.
3. ·Refraining from ice-cream and/or sweets during weekdays. In this warm climate, refraining from ice-cream can be challenging.

As we consider all of our Lenten options in prayer, fasting and almsgivings, let us take the Church's call to repent and do penance on a personal and community level seriously.  Let us embrace our choices of penance with enthusiasm and right spirit of heart.