Is giving stuff up for Lent a Catholic thing? Or do other Christian faiths do it too?

[Jacksmania]

Just curious. Does anyone know?

And what's everyone giving up for Lent?

What are you meant to give up, anyway? And why are you meant to give anything up? It's all over FB what everyone is giving up and it's things like chocolate, meat, or sarcasm in one case :o - just wondering if that's really the spirit of the whole thing?

(More questions will no doubt pop up in JM's fertile brain.)

northey, you're right - it would be perverse to give up a positive behaviour!

I completely understand about feast days, but I'm not trying to observe Lenten ritual as it was originally established by the church. My Lent practice (giving up telly & internet) isn't about penance, it's about making space for more reflection and authentic connection. I love that the word 'lent' comes from the OE 'lencten' which referred to spring, or the coming of longer days. Lent can be about turning away from the dark and leaning into the light. Doing it for more than 40 days might not be orthodox, but I'm ok with that.

I am Anglican and practise Lent.

I give up something difficult for me and give the money saved as almsgiving.

I also take up special devotions each year, by joining a pop-up home group with other church family.

I have Sundays off as Sunday is always a celebration day.

Our church is really supportive with Lent. We always have a Lent Project which is the beneficiary of our almsgiving. It's made accessible to everyone by not being too big (those who can handle big can organise themselves). This year, we are doing 'Sandwiches for Lent'. Although this takes place on a Sunday, the idea is to have Sunday lunch with other families (especially new families to church), and then to serve up just sandwiches instead of the usual roast. We get to build relationships within our church family, save a fortune on food, and a lot of stress for the cook.

I work with a couple of church-going Catholics who are giving up chocolate and make a fuss about the hardship (they haven't read the bit in the Sermon on the Mount about fasting, obviously). Honestly, how much hardship is this for women in their 40s and 50s? They have not moved on from age 8, which doesn't say a lot for their spiritual maturity.

I'm actually struggling with what to give up this year. I don't eat gluten & don't really eat cakes or biscuits. I rarely drink alcohol due to medication I not that keen on chocolate anymore, & I don't eat nuts & crisps...

Dcs suggested tea but since that's my only real 'vice' I'm not sure if I can. Any ideas gratefully received.

I was raised a Roman Catholic, went to an RC primary and secondary, went to church every week... and only at the age of 24 did I find out that Sundays don't count?!

I'm giving up chocolate and coca cola!

Orthodox too

Lutherans too.

DD attends C of E school, where they do practice Lent. She has announced she is giving up whingeing or maybe being angry (because she does quite enjoy it). She is 6 .