Ash Wednesday: Lent 2020 fasting – Why give up meat or alcohol for Lent?
The 40 day religious observance honours the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert fasting and being tempted by the devil… and for most Christians in the UK, this means giving up our favourite food. Traditionally Christians should give up meat or avoid it every Friday during Lent, but alcohol is also a popular option these days. Sounds difficult, doesn’t it? But so many do it every year, including people of different faiths, simply as a test of willpower. Why you should give up meat or alcohol for Lent?
Why do Christians up meat for Lent?
In Christianity, meat is considered a luxury and therefore a worthy sacrifice offered up to God when given up for Lent.
Some choose to give up meat for the whole period, but others simply avoid meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays.
The Church treats every Friday in Lent like ‘Good Friday’, the day it is believed that Jesus died on the cross.
It wouldn’t feel right to eat meat- something that’s considered a delicacy and was served and feasts and celebrations- on such a solemn occasion.
Instead, Christians pay penance and eat fish instead of meat.
More hardcore Christians or people wanting a bigger challenge will give up meat for the entire 40 days.
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Why do Christians give up meat for Lent?
In Christianity, meat is considered a luxury and therefore a worthy sacrifice offered up to God when given up for Lent.
Some choose to give up meat for the whole period, but others simply avoid meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays.
The Church treats every Friday in Lent like ‘Good Friday’, the day it is believed that Jesus died on the cross.
It wouldn’t feel right to eat meat- something that’s considered a delicacy and was served and feasts and celebrations- on such a solemn occasion.
Instead, Christians pay penance and eat fish instead of meat.
More hardcore Christians or people wanting a bigger challenge will give up meat for the entire 40 days.
Why should I give up meat for Lent?
If you’re not particularly religious or are from a different faith, you might consider trying to go without your burgers and fry ups for 40 days anyway.
It’s very easy to be a vegetarian in 2020 with so many substitutes on offer in the supermarkets- from Linda McCartney Sausages to Quorn Nuggets.
Instead of giving up crisps or chocolate- both popular choices- why not ditch meat?
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You have heard the spiel before… giving up meat is a way to do your bit for the environment, improve your health, and save the lives of animals.
If that’s not enough to encourage you, the World Health Organisation listed processed meat as carcinogenic, and in the same category as tobacco.
Giving up meat is also a great opportunity to get creative with your cooking and try things you’ve never thought of before.
Why not swap your Bolognese with a lentil based version, or add tofu to your stir fry instead of chicken?
You might even lose a few pounds and see your hair and nails grow much faster.
Why give up alcohol for Lent?
If Dry January didn’t go as planned, here’s your second chance.
Although there’s no religious reason to give up alcohol, many people find it to be the biggest sacrifice they can think of.
Imagine that first sip of vino at the end of Holy Week… delicious.
For someone who drinks a little too much or too often, this is a great way to shake the habit.
Even if you are just looking to get rid of that beer belly, this might just be the perfect excuse.
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