11. Christmas Carp: Central Europe’s Unusual Feast
In Poland, Czechia, and Slovakia, carp is the centerpiece of Christmas Eve dinners. Traditionally, families purchase live carp and keep it in the bathtub for a few days before preparing it. This practice, rooted in Catholic fasting traditions, aims to purify the fish by allowing it to swim in clean water, thereby removing muddy flavors. The carp is typically breaded and fried, accompanied by potato salad. In some regions, it’s customary to keep a scale from the carp in one’s wallet for good luck throughout the year (en.wikipedia.org).
