By Laura Revelt-
Sacrificing everyday pleasures for 40 days. Who can do it?
People face the challenge of giving up their favorite habits as the season of Lent returns. Some use it as an opportunity to start up that diet that they failed to follow after New Years or to abandon time-wasting hobbies.
The beginning of Lent is marked with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter. This year the dates are Wednesday March 9 to Sunday April 24.
Some Christian families now give up their everyday vices and do not eat meat on Fridays. According to catholiceducation.org,”Lent is a special time of prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works in preparation of the celebration of Easter.”
But Lent is becoming more a cultural tradition and not just a religious practice anymore. Faschnt Day, Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday is used as a day of participating in festivities to experience the last of those guilty pleasures before Lent. It is often used as an excuse to party or eat donuts.
Here at Penn Manor students are partaking in Lent, not necessarily for religious reasons.
“I want to try it to see if I have enough discipline to give up sweets,” said Elsie Huber.
“I acknowledge the religious aspect, but that’s not exactly why I’m doing it,” said Stef Friedman.
“It’s(participating in Lent) self-satisfaction,” said Natasha Fletcher.
“Last year I gave up dairy, so I was vegan,” said senior Mikah Farbo who is a vegetarian. “It’s (participating in Lent) knowing that you can live without something.”
“I am giving up sweets,” said Haley Blazer.
“I won’t be eating meat on Fridays,” said Erica Coakley.
“I sort of do a little of everything. I don’t just give up one thing,” said senior Dan Elliot. “I try to cut back on swearing and junk food.”
So it seems healthy eating is a popular goal during Lent, but it can be a struggle.
“One year I attempted to participate in Lent by giving up candy, like chocolate, everything,” said Friedman. “It honestly probably lasted like three days.”
“I think it depends on what you give up,” said Alicia Burns about the difficulties of Lent.
“It’s really hard and I always try to give up things I really like,” said Kate Maisel.
So if you see students passing up the big cookie or ice cream bar at lunch, now you know why. Good luck to all who are participating in Lent. Only 38 more days to go!