Are You Fasting For 40 Days? Why Many People In Malta Are Currently Observing This Catholic Tradition
Ash Wednesday this week has heralded the start of Lent, a 40-day period of sacrifice during which practicing Catholics give up things that are precious to them – such as chocolate, meat and alcohol – or even start following much more restrictive habits.
It is popular in Malta, a largely Roman Catholic country and the tradition stems from the Gospel, when Jesus spent 40 days in the desert to fast and pray.
Yet the practice of spiritual fasting from food is not an exclusively Catholic ritual and is also found in Judaism, Islam and other forms of Christianity. In all three faiths, abstinence from food is intertwined with assisting the poor by means of donation and almsgiving.
A common Christian practice that was observed in the Roman Empire was to fast every Wednesday and Friday until mid-afternoon. This is similar to the still ongoing tradition in Islam of fasting until sunset during Ramadan.
Longer periods of fasting started being observed during the fourth century where believers would fast for all 40 days before Holy Thursday.
Up until the 12th century, fasting traditions during Lent were observed wherever Christianity landed, and the avoidance of self-indulgence at this time was seen as an act of repentance. Marriage was also prohibited during Lent as it was seen as a joyous ritual.
In the 21st century, many Catholics still refrain from meat on every Friday of Lent, with one meal and two smaller snacks are permitted on the days of fasting.
However, the practice of giving up a single item during the whole season is more popular nowadays as it is less restrictive.
Activities like spiritual renewal and self-discipline are also encouraged during Lent. These could range from simply reading the Bible to community service or even making amends with estranged family and friends. Lent ends on Easter Sunday, which falls on 9th April this year, the most important day of the Catholic calendar.
Will you be fasting this Lent?