Nativity Fast

Culture of origin: Christian · Cultural

Holiday sources: Eastern Orthodox

The Nativity Fast, also called Philip's Fast because it begins the day after St Philip's feast, lasts forty days, from 15 November to 24 December. For the churches on the Julian calendar that is 28 November to 6 January until 2100. Meat, eggs and dairy are given up, with fish, wine and oil allowed on many days, and no fish from 20 to 24 December.