“Fatted calf” refers to a festive celebration, originating from the Middle Eastern tradition of fattening a specific animal for special occasions. The term comes from the parable of the prodigal son in the Bible. It can also refer to an elaborate party. In some cultures, the tradition of fattening an animal for honored guests still exists. Refusing to partake in the meal or special treats offered to the guest of honor may be considered offensive.
The term “fat calf” is used to describe an especially festive celebration, especially one involving rejoicing at someone’s return. This phrase comes from the parable of the prodigal son, a story told in the New Testament of the Bible. In addition to being used to describe a specific type of party, a fatted calf can also simply be a particularly lively and exuberant party where the guests enjoy themselves unusually, regardless of the reason for the celebration.
This term has its roots in the Middle Eastern tradition. Most households that could afford to raise livestock would focus specific attention on a particular animal, fattening it up in anticipation of a special occasion. The slaughter of this animal would be reserved for a particularly important event, with other animals being slaughtered to meet the family’s basic food needs. When the fatted calf was slaughtered, people realized the occasion was a particularly remarkable one.
In the parable of the prodigal son, a man has two sons and the younger son decides to start his own business. He travels far and eventually ends up leading a disorderly and licentious life that causes him to flee home. Upon his return, the father slaughters the fatted calf in celebration, and the eldest son expresses disgust, wondering why he has not been rewarded for his loyalty. The father explains that he wishes to celebrate the fact that his son has returned to him after he was presumed lost, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
When someone is planning a particularly elaborate party, people may accuse them of “wearing the fatted calf” or “killing the fatted calf,” often with a subtle hint of rebuke that is meant to indicate that the party planning is perhaps getting a bit too complex. People can also specifically say they intend to wear the fatted calf, indicating that all stops will be eliminated for the party to ensure everyone has a good time and the event will be memorable. Weddings, for example, can involve a very ostentatious reception party for guests after the ceremony.
In some cultures, the tradition of fattening a special animal still persists, and such animals are slaughtered for honored guests and on special occasions. Visitors to cultures where this tradition is preserved may want to be aware of it. Having an animal slaughtered in your honor is considered an immense compliment, and people may be offended if you refuse to partake in the meal, or refuse the special treats that are traditionally offered to the guest of honor at such events.
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