Catholic Friday Abstinence

Catholic Friday Abstinence is a religious rule that appears in Stephen King's It as a marker of the childhood beliefs and cultural background of the Losers' Club, particularly Richie Tozier. The rule, which prohibits the consumption of meat on Fridays, is presented not as a central plot point but as a detail that illuminates the characters' upbringing and the arbitrary yet powerful nature of the rules that govern their lives.

The Rule and Its Explanation

The rule is explicitly discussed during a conversation between Richie Tozier, Eddie Kaspbrak, and Stanley Uris as they walk toward the Barrens. When Eddie expresses fascination with Jewish dietary laws, Richie counters by pointing out the Catholic prohibition on eating meat on Fridays. He states, "You can't eat meat on Friday, because—" before catching himself and acknowledging the parallel. This exchange reveals that Richie, despite his irreverent personality, takes the rule seriously enough to observe it, even if he cannot fully articulate its theological basis. When Eddie asks if Catholics "really go to hell" for violating the rule, Richie responds pragmatically: "I don't really think God would send me down to the Hot Place just for forgetting and having a baloney sandwich for lunch on a Friday, but why take a chance? Right?" This response captures the blend of genuine belief and practical caution that characterizes childhood religiosity.

The Rule's Significance in the Narrative

The rule serves as a point of comparison between different religious traditions, highlighting the arbitrary yet binding nature of childhood beliefs. Richie's explanation comes in response to Stanley's discussion of Jewish dietary laws, and the conversation underscores how all religions impose seemingly arbitrary restrictions that children must navigate. The rule also reinforces the theme of authority—both parental and religious—that shapes the characters' lives. Richie's mother, Maggie Tozier, is a devout Methodist who "was death on rock and roll," and his father, Wentworth Tozier, is a dentist who jokes with his son. The Friday abstinence rule, while not explicitly enforced by his parents, represents the broader framework of religious and moral expectations that the children both internalize and occasionally question.

The Rule's Role in Character Development

For Richie, the rule is one of many childhood beliefs that he carries with him, even as he grows into an adult who questions authority. His willingness to observe the rule, even without fully understanding its rationale, reflects his character's blend of skepticism and conformity. The rule also serves as a point of connection between the Losers, as they share and compare their respective religious backgrounds. This exchange, like many others in the novel, reinforces the bond between the children as they navigate a world filled with both mundane and supernatural dangers.