Foods Traditionally Eaten at the Feast of the Assumption
The Feast of the Assumption is a holiday of the Catholic faith which is celebrated on August fifteenth every year. It is considered a very holy day because it commemorates the death of Mary, mother of Jesus, and her "assumption" into Heaven. The Blessed Virgin was assumed body and soul to reunite in glory with her Son, the Messiah. This day is extremely important to Catholics as such an enormous value and respect is placed on the mother of Christ in this religion.
Traditionally, the Feast of the Assumption is a day when the believers feast on fruits and herbs to celebrate the harvest and new life. It is also a day that a blessing is given over these two items, fruits and herbs, as well as over the flowers. In the days prior to the Feast of the Assumption, many devout Catholics will abstain entirely from eating any fruits or herbs. This only makes the Holy Day all the more special when it arrives.
If you are looking for foods to eat on the Feast of the Assumption, the focus must be on fruits and herbs. Meat is not expressly forbidden, but most that are going to celebrate the holiday do forego it by choice. The following recipes are wonderful to serve on August fifteenth. You may find that you enjoy them so much that they will carry on throughout the rest of the year as well, or maybe you would prefer to keep it a special, once a year tradition.
- Assumpta Salad
Salad8 medium-size ripe tomatoes, sliced1 red onion, finely chopped1 cup pitted black olives, drained1/3 cup chopped fresh basil1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley1 cup cubed feta cheese (I omit)
Vinaigrette1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil5 Tbsp. red wine vinegar1 garlic clove, mincedSalt and freshly ground pepper
Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together until thickened. Let stand for about 1 hour before using to steep the garlic.
For the salad, arrange tomato slices on 6 to 8 salad plates. Sprinkle the onion and olives among them. Sprinkle the herbs evenly, then add the cheese cubes in the middle of each dish.
Whisk vinaigrette just before serving and drizzle evenly over each plate. Serve immediately.
