Which religious group typically avoids consuming meat on Fridays during Lent?

The practice of avoiding meat on Fridays during Lent is primarily associated with Roman Catholics. Lent is a significant liturgical season in the Catholic Church, leading up to Easter, where believers engage in penance and reflection. A key aspect of this observance is the custom of abstaining from meat on Fridays, which symbolizes sacrifice and aligns with the idea of commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which occurred on a Friday.

During this period, many Catholics substitute fish or other seafood for meat, as fish is considered an acceptable alternative. This practice has deep roots in Catholic tradition and aligns with the teachings of the Church regarding periods of fasting and abstinence.

The other religious groups listed have different dietary practices or do not have a similar tradition of abstaining from meat specifically during Lent. For example, Seventh Day Adventists typically follow a vegetarian diet and avoid certain foods on health grounds rather than for liturgical reasons. Buddhism’s dietary choices can vary significantly among practitioners, depending mostly on individual or sect-specific beliefs related to the principle of non-harm. Muslims have specific dietary laws governed by halal, and while they may observe fasting during Ramadan, it does not involve a routine abstinence from meat on Fridays in the same context as Lent.