40 days and 40 nights: what UA students choose to sacrifice for Lent
Saba Naseem
Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: News
Lent, a 40-day period of austerity, charity and self-reflection, began a week ago on Ash Wednesday for many Christians on campus.
Historically, this occasion observes Jesus' defeat of sin and temptation after 40 days and 40 nights of fasting in the wilderness. It also demarcates the beginning of his ministry.
These days of prayer and devotion culminate during the last week of Lent, designated for the remembrance of Holy Week before the crucifixion of Jesus, and end on Easter Sunday, celebrating his resurrection.
Lent has changed significantly over the years from obligatory fasting to the more relaxed version many see in Western countries, including the tradition of giving up something or making some small sacrifice.
"I celebrate Lent with one of my best friends so that she will actually stick with it," said Sami Sutton, a sophomore biochemistry and classical studies major. "It's like a support thing. I normally give up soft drinks and fast food and then a third thing which changes from year to year.
"This year it is limiting my TV time," she said.
There are others who have a completely different outlook on Lent.
"I don't do Lent," said Rumil Bautista, a freshman architecture major. "It's like a New Year's resolution. You do something for a few weeks but then forget about it until it comes around again the next year. I think it's a good idea, but on the other hand, what's keeping you from giving something up any other time of the year?"
Lent is the time of year when one should turn inward and self reflect, said Theresa Delaplain, a music professor at the UA.
"Giving up something allows you to think about how much you have and appreciate it more," she said. "This year, I gave up desserts for Lent."
Some UA students observe Lent, but don't know the reasons behind it.
"Students learn this as children, but I think they forget," Delaplain said. "I didn't learn all this stuff until after my college years."
Despite students' differing views on Lent, most students said they look forward to celebrating Easter Sunday.
Historically, this occasion observes Jesus' defeat of sin and temptation after 40 days and 40 nights of fasting in the wilderness. It also demarcates the beginning of his ministry.
These days of prayer and devotion culminate during the last week of Lent, designated for the remembrance of Holy Week before the crucifixion of Jesus, and end on Easter Sunday, celebrating his resurrection.
Lent has changed significantly over the years from obligatory fasting to the more relaxed version many see in Western countries, including the tradition of giving up something or making some small sacrifice.
"I celebrate Lent with one of my best friends so that she will actually stick with it," said Sami Sutton, a sophomore biochemistry and classical studies major. "It's like a support thing. I normally give up soft drinks and fast food and then a third thing which changes from year to year.
"This year it is limiting my TV time," she said.
There are others who have a completely different outlook on Lent.
"I don't do Lent," said Rumil Bautista, a freshman architecture major. "It's like a New Year's resolution. You do something for a few weeks but then forget about it until it comes around again the next year. I think it's a good idea, but on the other hand, what's keeping you from giving something up any other time of the year?"
Lent is the time of year when one should turn inward and self reflect, said Theresa Delaplain, a music professor at the UA.
"Giving up something allows you to think about how much you have and appreciate it more," she said. "This year, I gave up desserts for Lent."
Some UA students observe Lent, but don't know the reasons behind it.
"Students learn this as children, but I think they forget," Delaplain said. "I didn't learn all this stuff until after my college years."
Despite students' differing views on Lent, most students said they look forward to celebrating Easter Sunday.
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