Lent is a time of fasting in Christianity that brings both a sense of personal and religious meaning. In the tradition of Lent, people of the Christian faith give up something that holds an importance in their life to show that like God, they too can sacrifice an object of deep meaning.
There are other alternatives to just fasting for those who wish to celebrate Lent. Reverend George R. Szews, pastor of the Eau Claire Newman Parish, said there are three ways to observe Lent.
“The three traditional ways of observing Lent are through, prayer, fasting and the giving of alms (charitable works),” he said. “Each denominational tradition uses variations of these three.”
Religion professor Kathryn Kennedy sums up the meaning of Lent in the Christian faith.
“The word ‘lent’ is an Anglo Saxon word, which literally means ‘springtime,'” she said.
In the spring, Christians celebrate Easter, and prior to Easter is the 40-day period of fast, abstinence and prayer, Kennedy said. The Church views the fasting of Jesus in the desert prior to his Palm Sunday return to Jerusalem as the model for a penitential preparation preceding the celebration of his passion, death and resurrection.
Like many other Christian traditions, abstinence derives from Jewish and even older religious practices,” she said.
Many Christians, particularly of the Roman Catholic faith, are accustomed to giving up meat on Fridays during the Lenten season. Meat was considered a “luxury food” during the early times and was inappropriate to eat on Fridays because it was the day that Christ was crucified, Kennedy said.
These practices are not only designed to enhance one’s spirituality, but should help alleviate the misfortunes of others, she said. Everyone has heard of the common self sacrifices designed to make one a stronger person -the ‘give-ups’.ÿGiving up candy, TV, smoking, fast food or even homework are some options.
It is actually more desirable to include a positive practice, such as using your ‘candy money’ to contribute to the poor or volunteer extra time to a hospital, food pantry, clean-up crew or Bible study, Kennedy said.
Extra prayer and study also are encouraged.ÿSome churches add extra services during Lent. Catholics are urged to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance at this time, Kennedy said.
Contrary to popular belief, eating fish on Fridays was not started by the Church.
“Mackerel munching” was not spurred by the Church’s desire to help the Portuguese, Italian or British fishing industries, Kennedy said. “The fish was one of the earliest symbols for Christ and to consume a fish was similar to the partaking of Jesus’ body in a way similar to the sacramental consumption of the sacred bread.
Fish Fridays remain a popular activity for most Christians, as well as those who don’t participate in the Easter holiday and Lent season, Kennedy said.
Lent started off with Ash Wednesday. People wore a sack cloth and were given a sign of repentance with ashes, Szews said.
Another myth that is often portrayed with Lent is that people believe that it ends on Easter. This is false. Lent ends on Holy Thursday. The evening of Holy Thursday until Easter Sunday Evening is known as the Triduum (three days), Szews said.
“They (the three days) are the highpoint of the liturgical year for most mainline/liturgical Christian denominations.”
