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by Adam Buckley on February 4th, 2006

Adam Buckley

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Why do Catholics over the age of fourteen abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent?

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  • by mdamone on February 4th, 2006

    mdamone

    To answer, let's start at the start:

    The Catholic season of Lent is a prepatory period for the holiday of Easter. It lasts for the 40 days (Sundays not included) before Easter. This length is supposed to imitate the 40 days that Jesus spent in prayer and meditation in the 'wilderness.'

    Having said that, Lent is a period for Christian atonement and cleansing of the soul and body. The rules for Lent today, including dietary restrictions, vary from specific Christian faith to faith. They also differ according to geographic region and culture. One thing is very true: the rules for Lent are not nearly as harsh or strict as they used to be historically.

    Fasting is the Catholic way to signify three main ideas:

    1. Fasting is supposed to develop and teach discipline which can be used to resist overall temptations from evil;

    2. It is also a way to remind Catholics of the importance of humility and compassion for the poor, who did not historically eat as well as other social classes. By not eating, Catholics were historically supposed to be reminded of what the poor experience.

    3. It is considered a way to de-tox and cleanse the 'temple' of the body.

    Fasting originally began as not eating at all on certain holy days during Lent. Drinking some fluids was allowed and in certain faiths/cultures, light solid food was also allowed. Fasting has never meant starvation, hunger-striking or dehydrating.

    As mentioned above, dietary fasting rules have become less strict over time. What was once a 'no or little solid food' rule became a 'no or little meat' eating rule on holy days and Fridays.

    This reflects the religious suggestion that Catholics 'sacrafice' some comfort during Lent, which can include giving up a favorite vice (chocolate, video games, whatever). It is generally recognized that children need the nutrients in meat, so it is considered safer for a child over a certain age (14, for example) to be able to not eat meat for a day.

    Interestingly, 'Fat Tuesday' has taken on a secular meaning in modern times, becoming more of a party holiday. Originally, it's religious significance was more practical. It was the last day to eat, drink and get 'fat' before Lent began...with the fasting and dieting mentioned here.

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