Why do Catholics give up things for lent?
Catholics give up things they like during Lent to try to become better followers of Christ. The practice is part of a seasonal effort by Catholics to abstain from sin in order to help them not sin at any other time of the year.OriginsBeginning around the fourth century, the practice of giving up things during Lent came about from the combination of three existing customs that revolved around Easter. These three traditions were: an ancient paschal fast; a fast for people preparing for baptism; and a fast involving both people who wished to renew their baptismal vows and those that wished to support them.HistoryBefore the Catholic Church changed its rules at the Second Vatican Council in 1972, followers once sacrificed three weeks before Lent. Called Septuagesima, its timing of around 70 days before Easter aimed to recall the 70 years in captivity of the Jewish people in ancient Babylon. After 1972, the church reverted to an earlier custom of beginning the fast on Ash Wednesday.Significa
