Common Myths About Lent
Whether you are a Christian or not, you have been seeing it around that it is Lent time and you wonder which event you can partake in.
Lent is a time to reflect on and appreciate the people and privileges you have in your life. For Christians, it’s also a time to be thankful for the sacrifices Jesus made.
In this regard, you might have heard a lot of things about Lent, some are myths and these myths are below according to The Healthyfish.
Common Myths About Lent You Should Know
Lent is for all Christians
Since Lent a Christian tradition, it’s common to assume that Lent is celebrated by all denominations of Christianity.
However, only a handful of denominations celebrate the holiday such as Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans, and Roman Catholics. Eastern Orthodox churches also celebrate Lent but in a slightly altered form.
Meat should be avoided
While you are encouraged to fast during Lent (meaning that you would have to give up meat) this doesn’t mean you have to give it up every day. Rather, meat is not eaten on Fridays during Lent or on Ash Wednesday. All other days, you can take meat. There is an exception, however, if meat is the particular thing you decide to give up for the duration of Lent. In this case, you have to abstain from it every day except Sundays.
Fish should be avoided
Since it has been noted that you can’t eat meat on certain days during Lent, some people assume that you can’t eat fish either. This is a common misunderstanding as fish is a regular meat substitute on Fridays for Christian families and especially on Fridays during Lent and Ash Wednesday.
Lent is 40 days
Many people assume that since Jesus fasted for 40 days, then, Lent should also be for 40 days. This is not totally wrong, this tradition actually is just over 6 weeks, lasting a grand total of 46 days. Sundays are not included in the 40 days count as they are considered “free days”. Those who have given up something (a food group or some form of technology) during Lent can freely enjoy the pleasures of it every Sunday. Think of it as a weekly break from a disciplined regimen.
Lent is about Jesus’ Death
Lent acts as a precursor to Easter, but it’s not about Jesus’ death or his resurrection. It’s actually to pay respect to the 40 days he spent in the desert before being captured and tried. Lent is a time to reflect on Jesus’ struggles and sacrifices while also being grateful for your privilege. Although his time in the desert happened years before his death and resurrection.
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