After a day of indulging in pancakes, Christians around the world prepare to shift gear tomorrow for Ash Wednesday, the holy day of prayer that marks the beginning of Lent this year.
The 40-day period (excluding Sundays) is an opportunity for many Christians to decide to give something up in order to practice self-discipline.
The name Ash Wednesday derives from a custom that takes place in churches, in which worshippers have their foreheads sprinkled with ash during special services. The ash is obtained by burning crosses made from palm wood used in the previous year’s service for Palm Sunday (the celebration of Jesus Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem).
In the Christian faith, Lent marks the transition from winter to spring. The festival is a time for reflection, repentance, and spiritual preparation for Easter, honoring the resurrection of Christ.
What could I give up for Lent 2025?
As early as the first century, people are believed to have fasted during Lent. It was customary to eat only one meal a day, and eliminate fish, meat, eggs and butter. These strict rules loosened as time went on, however, some Christians decide to continue the tradition and give up a particular pleasure.
What to give up for Lent is a personal decision that usually involves cutting out something meaningful from your life.
Food or drink: Many people decide to give up certain food or drinks, like sweets, caffeine, booze, or meat.
Social media or screen time: Lent can be the perfect time to get a grip on your smartphone addiction. Some people put limits on the time they spend on social media (or screen time generally), bringing their focus onto spiritual matters.
Negative habits: Some people implement rules to bar themselves from engaging in negative behaviours, like gossiping, procrastinating, or complaining.
Luxuries or comforts: Ditching luxuries or comforts, like eating out at restaurants or taking non-essential shopping sprees can help you feel grounded and grateful.
Time: Spending your free time doing meaningful activities like volunteering, meditating or supporting family members can be a meaningful Lenten practice.
Personal vices: Some people decide to cut out personal vices like smoking, binge drinking, or gambling as a means of prioritizing spiritual growth and self-improvement.
Whether or not you are a practicing Christian, Lent can be an opportunity for self-reflection, a time to tune into what matters to you.
The practice of letting go of bad habits and behaviors can be beneficial for everyone, enabling you to cultivate a healthier, happier and more meaningful life.
