Tens of millions of Ethiopian Christians are observing Lent-the fasting period of 55 days preceding the celebration of the most important holiday in Christianity - Easter. This week's Society explores the general topic of ritual fasting, religious and other.

Fasten Your tummy

Fasting is to abstain from eating all or certain foods or meals, usually as part of religious observance. The term is derived from one of the many definitions of the word 'fast'. In this case the meaning is taken from the definition "to hold firm." The various faiths proscribe ritual periods of fasting mainly to serve as a rekindling of one's faith and expression of adherence to doctrine.
Although ritual fasting denotes religious abstention from all or particular foods, people (and some animals also) do stop taking sustenance motivated by causes other than religion.
Protest through hunger strike is a favorite and old age tactic of the conciencious objector and committed dissident. Many have starved themselves to death as they waited for their demands to be met. A hunger strike is such a vain thing to do. Because as far as I know, there has never been a successful instance. Noble it may seem, but a hunger strike is after all a luxury that is affordable only by a small elite of Africa and the west more generally.
For too many of the poorest of the poor, who often must endure involuntary hunger 'strikes', the idea that one would shun precious food on a whim is almost profane. So is the petty 'journalism' on shows such as Oprah and Tyra (no offence to either, hope none taken), which devote so much airtime to vanities such as bulimia and anorexia. What are they doing?
Back to proper fasting, which by the way is much more than just dry abstinence. Fasting for hours, a day, days, weeks or even months is actually a deeply personal form of worship.
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians are very devout and consider Lent to be the holiest time of the year. However, Lent is not the only time of the when orthodox Christians fast. Wednesday and Friday are also fasts in their own right. Of course, with the advent of 'progress', the observance of these two week days is not what it used to be, especially among the youth. Be that as it may, fasting is a hallmark of Orthodox Christianity and a unique time to get closer to God.

How do you view ritual fasting?

I don't believe in fasting at all. How is God going to better hear my prayers if I starve myself? As far as I am concerned, fasting is beneficial only in the dietary sense.

Abiy,
Businessperson

I have no problem with the devout belivers holding fasts. However, I must complain about the fact that we non-observant Christians are also forced to fast. This is simply because there is nothing good to eat during Lent!

Sammy,
Footballer

I actually look forward to Lent and other fasting periods because I feel that I am in higher communion with my inner (better) self and with God.
Alemu,
Church artist

Fasting as a ritual is an important element of worship. Fasting strengthens us in our faith and also creates a bond of fellowship among the followers of any given religion.

Sable,
Nurse

If I remember correctly, there is a passage in the Bible that warns us against flouting how religiously observant we are. Fasting especially, we read, is not to be bragged about. In fact, it is recommended that those who are observing a fast anoint themselves with perfume and oils, sa as not to appear vain and spoil the blessing.
Kebretabot,
Deacon