28 mrt 2024 om 19:20
Easter is just around the corner and that means Lent is almost over. For example, Christians avoid meat, alcohol and sweets during this fasting period. On our response platform NUjij we asked readers about their experiences.
The days between Carnival and Easter are dedicated to reflection in the Catholic and Protestant churches. The interpretation of this is personal for everyone, but many Christians choose to abstain from a certain type of food or drink.
So does reader Brigitte_8ff6462c. “I don’t eat sweets, chips, nuts, sweet spreads or desserts. I also don’t drink alcohol.” In general, things are going well for the NUjij’er, but there is one thing she misses. “I find not eating chocolate the most difficult thing about this period.”
Another reader does not eat meat during Lent. “According to the rules, that is allowed on Sundays, but even then I don’t feel the need for it.”
Wat is de veertigdagentijd?
Tijdens de veertigdagentijd leven christenen toe naar Pasen, waarbij ze vieren dat Jezus na zijn kruisiging (op Goede Vrijdag) uit de dood is opgestaan.
Het vasten is gerelateerd aan carnaval: voordat men een periode van bezinning ingaat, is er tijd voor feest. De precieze herkomst is onduidelijk.
Na carnaval komt Aswoensdag (dit jaar was dat op 14 februari), de eerste dag van de vastenperiode. Dat duurt tot de zaterdag voor Pasen, Stille Zaterdag (dit jaar op 30 maart). Dat zijn 46 dagen, maar omdat op zondagen niet gevast hoeft te worden, zijn er in totaal 40 vastendagen, vandaar de term veertigdagentijd.
The idea behind fasting is that it creates more space to think about yourself, your fellow man and God. “I find it a valuable and deepening experience. Especially because I have to live for a while without everyday forms of pleasure. This makes me reflect on the purpose and meaning of my life,” says Martin_8de72647.
Brigitte_8ff6462c agrees with that. “I am more aware of the fact that there is enough food available for me, while in many other countries this is not the case.”
‘It could be a little less’
But Lent is not just about eating and drinking. For example, some people spend less time on social media or do not watch series and films on streaming services.
Jetty_van_Jan: “I think a period of sobriety in these times of overconsumption is good for you. Whether it concerns alcohol and meat or other habits we have become dependent on, we can do with a little less.”
Not everyone does this out of religious beliefs, though Harrie_2b32c8f6 know. “I saw a TV item about Lent and I really like the idea of thinking about your loved ones. I have not used social media lately and have significantly reduced my screen time. I have now read five books.”
Christians can also choose to do certain things or do them more often. For example, praying, both for themselves and for others, and sending cards.
In this way, a NUjij member has built up a valuable tradition based on that idea. “My caregiver and I save some money every year and donate it to organizations that support the less fortunate.”
Tags: Christian fasting isnt food Dont social media Based NUjij
