For reasons such as health and a good de-tox I have decided to give up alcohol for Lent. (I’m not saying I'm going to succeed or anything but I am going to give it a dam good go!)
I have never given up anything for lent before and was wanting some information on it and people who have before could maybe share their experiences.
I know it's a long time (is it 40 days?)
What is the official end date this year?
Any info you have would be great.
Thanks
xx
2007-02-26 01:44:16 · 12 answers · asked by *BURNY* 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Lent is the 40 day period before Easter. It is practiced by any liturgical church (including catholic, lutheran, episcoplain/anglican, united methodist, presbyterian usa, and united methodist) It doesn't include Sundays because those are seen as days of feasting and celebration. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday (today). The service of ashes is to remind us that we are mortal and we are sinful in nature and that we have a God that is forgiving and allows us to approach him and be forgiven. Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. It is 40 days to symbolize the time that Jesus spent in the Wilderness before his ministry. He was tempted, and so are we. The difference is that we do not ignore the temptations that we are faced with. Lent is a time of pentance. It's a time to remember who we truly are (mortal) and focus on deepening the relationship with Christ and realizing the sacrifice he made for us. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. In the early church, Lent was a time to prepare new converts for baptism. Today, Christians focus on their relationship with God, often choosing to give up something or volunteering and giving of themselves for others.
It ends with Holy Week. Holy Week is the week before Easter. It starts with Palm Sunday. That is the day that Christ came into Jerusalem and they laid palms on the Road. Thursday is Maundy Thursday. It celebrates the last supper. The Maundy comes from the word Commandment. In John's gospel, during the last supper, Christ gave the disciples a new commandment ("love one another as I have loved you"). Friday of Holy Week is Good Friday, the day that we remember the death of Christ.
It ends with Easter, which, this year is on April 8th. Also, something to consider. What you give up for Lent shouldn't be something you are trying to give up permanently. Example, if someone used lent to give up smoking, are they going to pick it back up after Lent is over? I hope not. It doesn't have to be a food item either. It can be an activity. Example, internet time, email, cell phone unless for emergencies, lesuire reading, tv, etc.
Amanda
2007-02-26 05:44:05 · answer #1 · answered by One Odd Duck 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It relates to the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert, after which he returned to Jerusalem to face the Crucifixion on Good Friday and his reputed reappearance on Easter Sunday.
Full information given in the bible; read the gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John, four of his apostles (followers) who witnessed the events.
2007-02-26 02:07:22 · answer #2 · answered by Peter Bro 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For one thing it is a good self discipline
You can maybe help people in some way
I have normally kept the Lenten fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Good luck and have a good drink on Easter Sunday-you will appreciate it more!
2007-02-26 02:19:23 · answer #3 · answered by Plato 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's what I give up, as well. It's harder in social situations, but - stick to your Rule. You'll be glad you did.
40 days, not counting Sundays.
Easter Sunday is April 8th.
2007-02-26 01:49:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Noon on Easter Saturday.
Its actually 46 days (40 non-Sundays, so technically you can break it on Sundays if you want).
P.S. Good for you.
2007-02-26 01:51:50 · answer #5 · answered by kmsbean 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
end date easter.
should have started on Ash Wednesday - the day after Shrove Tuesday/pancake day
2007-02-26 01:48:29 · answer #6 · answered by D B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am Jewish, but out of respect for my catholic friends, I give up watermelon and chewing tobacco for lent.
2007-02-26 02:15:26 · answer #7 · answered by Ari A 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i do know for lent you dont have to give something up, you can do something better to help other people instead
2007-02-26 01:50:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
good luck stick in
2007-02-26 01:56:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
never a lender or a borrower be.....lol
2007-02-26 03:00:31 · answer #10 · answered by blackfootsoo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋