What is Traditionally Given Up For Lent?
Lent is the forty-day period that many Christians observe in preparation for Easter. It is a time of prayer and self-denial. It is also a time to reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
The word “Lent” comes from the Saxon language, which means “length.” It was first used in connection with the length of springtime and new growth. In the Catholic tradition, it is a time to fast and prepare for Easter.
Traditionally, Christians observing Lent celebrate this period with a combination of fasting and abstinence from particular foods, as well as other practices that are considered to be sinful. In addition, they may choose to give up certain habits or behaviors that they find displeasing.
What is traditionally given up for lent?
The Christian season of Lent (also known as the ‘Great Fast’ or ‘Holy Week’) begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. Typically, Christians abstain from meat, fish, dairy products and eggs during the period of Lent. Some denominations restrict these fast days to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, while others allow them on all other days of the week.
In the West, the liturgical colour of the season is violet. Altar crosses and religious statuary which show Christ in his glory are veiled during the season.
As the season of Lent is a time of reflection and penance, some people choose to wear a symbol of penance in their clothing during the season. This can be in the form of a Lenten array, a type of unbleached linen or muslin that is trimmed with crimson cloth. In some Anglican churches, this Lenten array is worn during the entire season of Lent and crimson is also traditionally worn during Passiontide, or the days leading up to Holy Week.
Some Christians choose to give up a favorite food or drink during the season of Lent. This is generally done in order to refocus their energy on other aspects of their lives.
Another common practice during Lent is to cut back on social media and other online activities that take away from spending quality time with friends and family in real life. This can be accomplished by reducing the number of hours spent on the computer and social media each day or even by simply turning off your phone for a few hours each day.
While there are a variety of different things that people choose to give up for lent, the main purpose of giving up something is to practice self-discipline and to remember the sacrifices made by Jesus.
If you are looking for ideas on what to give up for lent, look no further than this list of 100 great ideas! You’ll be sure to find a plan that works for you and will make a real difference in your life this year.
The best way to start thinking about what you’ll give up for lent is to consider the things that are most important to you. Are there any foods, behaviors or other habits that you’ve always wanted to change? If so, maybe this will be the perfect time to try out a new practice that will help you to focus more on your faith and God’s love.