What is the “Seven Fishes” tradition and why is it important in “The Bear?”
The tradition of the "Seven Fishes" is one that runs deep in Italian heritage, particularly for families of Roman Catholic faith. Originating in Southern Italy, it's a meal commonly eaten on La Vigilia (Christmas Eve) and it serves as a significant symbol of abstinence from meat until the feast of Christmas Day. But in "The Bear", it takes on a new layer of meaning as the core event of the sixth episode of season 2, "Fishes." In the Berzatto family's hands, this tradition becomes a lens through which we view their relationships, dynamics, and ultimately, the essence of the character Carmy.
On the surface, the "Seven Fishes" meal for the Berzatto family seems to be a simple adherence to tradition. A conventional practice to keep up appearances, a part of their identity they continue to cling to amidst the chaos that encircles their lives. But look a little closer and it’s clear that this holiday meal serves as much more than just a culinary practice.
The "Seven Fishes" is the stage upon which the family drama unfolds in "Fishes." This elaborate feast forms the backdrop of a familial collision of sorts, as we navigate through an evening of revelations and confrontations. It becomes the catalyst to unearthing why Carmy is Carmy, shaping the narrative and ultimately presenting a closer look at the inner workings of the Berzatto family.
This feast, despite its symbolism of unity and celebration, becomes an ironic exhibition of the family's fragmentation. Carmy and his siblings are drawn together not by familial love but by the obligations and expectations surrounding this event. Through the preparation and consumption of the "Seven Fishes," we see a potent exploration of family dynamics, unspoken tensions, and buried secrets.
The feast in many ways is a metaphor for Carmy's family – a messy assortment of elements, some savory, some bitter, all tangled together in a dish that is rich and complex. Just as the "Seven Fishes" combines diverse elements into a single meal, the Berzatto family, with all its eccentric characters, coalesce into a unit that is as unpredictable as it is flavorful. Each character brings to the table their own unique quirks and challenges, much like each fish in the feast has its distinct flavor and texture.
As the meal progresses, so does the unveiling of the family's intricate web of relationships. Through laughter, shouting matches, uncomfortable silences, and unexpected fork-throwing incidents, we get a peek into the Berzatto’s complex and often troubling family dynamics. The chaotic unfolding of the meal thus serves as a parallel to the family's own discord and disharmony.
The "Seven Fishes" is also an insightful symbol of Carmy's journey of self-discovery and growth. Carmy, throughout the series, is portrayed as a character in a constant struggle with his past. As a chef, the tradition of "Seven Fishes" is something that ties him to his family and his heritage, whether he likes it or not. The feast is a part of him, an intrinsic component of his identity. Yet, it also serves as a stark reminder of the family trauma he has been trying to escape. In this episode, we see Carmy confronting his past, his family, and the effects of their dysfunction on him, all in the shadow of the "Seven Fishes."
In conclusion, the traditional "Seven Fishes" in "The Bear" is much more than just a meal; it is a symbol of family, heritage, identity, and personal struggle. It gives us a rich insight into the inner workings of the Berzatto family, and more specifically, into the character of Carmy. It's a tradition laden with implications, with each course revealing more about the characters and their relationships with each other. Through this lens, the Berzatto family Christmas Eve dinner becomes not just a meal, but a complex narrative of family dynamics and personal growth.
