2008 Woodie Awards
Lent brings a different kind of discipline to EC
Kasey Fielding
Issue date: 4/20/06 Section: Lifestyle
- Page 1 of 2 next >
For some, the phrase "40 days and 40 nights" calls to mind images of Josh Hartnett in various sex-deprived panic attacks. But for others, that month and a half of Lent (starting on Ash Wednesday) signifies the Easter season and the start of a long period of giving up their favorite vices. According to an article at bbc.co.uk, the process of giving something up for lent is both an imitation of the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ as he fasted in the desert for forty days and nights, as well as an assessment of your own self-discipline.
Many, however, find it difficult to last the whole season.
"I usually give something up, like chocolate or candy, but I never last the full 40 days, so it kind of defeats the purpose," said freshman writing, literature and publishing (WLP) major Meaghan Alfier. "It's like, why do it in the first place?"
Sophomore journalism major Angela Campion is a member of Newman Club, Emerson's Catholic organization, which operates through the Center for Spiritual Life (CSL).
"For Lent last year I gave up all desserts and sweets," she said. "I did so good. And my birthday happened to fall on Easter, so I was able to celebrate with my friends by having a huge milkshake. It gave me something to look forward to, I guess."
To others, Lent isn't necessarily about sacrifice as much as it is dedication to your spirituality.
"Normally, I try to do things instead of give up things, like go to Mass or the adoration chapel more often," said freshman journalism major and Newman Club member Katharine Mohana.
However, freshman WLP major Brittany Hoxie doesn't necessarily view Lent as an entirely religious experience. Raised Catholic, Hoxie now considers herself to be more agnostic than anything. Regardless, she decided to give up sweets for Lent this year.
"I always thought that giving up something for such an extended period of time shows a lot of willpower, and there's a lot to be said for that," Hoxie said.
Many, however, find it difficult to last the whole season.
"I usually give something up, like chocolate or candy, but I never last the full 40 days, so it kind of defeats the purpose," said freshman writing, literature and publishing (WLP) major Meaghan Alfier. "It's like, why do it in the first place?"
Sophomore journalism major Angela Campion is a member of Newman Club, Emerson's Catholic organization, which operates through the Center for Spiritual Life (CSL).
"For Lent last year I gave up all desserts and sweets," she said. "I did so good. And my birthday happened to fall on Easter, so I was able to celebrate with my friends by having a huge milkshake. It gave me something to look forward to, I guess."
To others, Lent isn't necessarily about sacrifice as much as it is dedication to your spirituality.
"Normally, I try to do things instead of give up things, like go to Mass or the adoration chapel more often," said freshman journalism major and Newman Club member Katharine Mohana.
However, freshman WLP major Brittany Hoxie doesn't necessarily view Lent as an entirely religious experience. Raised Catholic, Hoxie now considers herself to be more agnostic than anything. Regardless, she decided to give up sweets for Lent this year.
"I always thought that giving up something for such an extended period of time shows a lot of willpower, and there's a lot to be said for that," Hoxie said.
Be the first to comment on this story