We traditionally think of
Shrove Tuesday (this year 21st February) as a day for 'using up'
ingredients in the house to remember how Christians may choose to
abstain from various types of food during Lent - but there is a lot
more to Lent than making pancakes.
- Lent in 2012 starts on Ash Wednesday (22nd February) and ends
on Easter Eve (7th April) in the Western Churches.
- Many Christians focus with a fast on Ash Wednesday and again on
Good Friday (6th April).
- Some will fast for the time between Ash Wednesday and up to
Easter, others don't fast on Sundays as Sunday can be considered to
be a feast day.
- There are various ways of fasting, some people will choose to
give up bad habits or certain foods and drinks or meals, where as
others prefer to see Lent as a way to help others, pray for others,
focus on praying for others or take up something new. There are
many Christians who attempt to do both.
- The concept of fasting for 40 days is to reflect the 40 days
Jesus' fasted in the desert. Christians treat this time as a way of
preparation to Easter and fasting is a recognised way of helping
people to focus on their spiritual life and prayer.
- There are other Biblical references to the importance of the
number 40. The flood in the book of Genesis was 40 days. The
Hebrews were in the wilderness for 40 years before reaching the
promised land. Moses fasted for 40 days prior to receiving the 10
Commandments.