Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, which is the 40–day period (excluding Sundays) before Easter in the Christian calendar.
Many people observe Lent to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fasted for 40 days before his crucifixion. During this time, many Irish people give something up too and some use this tradition as an opportunity to improve their health.
Shrove Tuesday falls a day before Ash Wednesday and is an chance for people to use up the last of their rich foods in the house like eggs and milk to make pancakes. Cutting down on this type of indulgence is a chance to experience how many others who consider it a luxury, may feel. In doing so, the sacrifice also improves one’s health.
Giving something up for Lent or just giving more
Whatever has motivated you to give something up for your health, be it smoking, reducing how much alcohol you drink, losing weight or exercising more, you can get help, inspiration, advice and support from the NHS Choices Live–Well Programme.
The beauty of this time is that many people also observe Lent as a chance to offer charity, or perform a good deed on each of the 40 days. For example, giving time to an elderly person, helping someone to perform a task or offering to tidy up. Check out Lenten Positive Acts if you’re interested in getting involved.
Even if you don’t observe Lent, it works as a great reminder to do a little something for the greater good.
We’d love to hear your stories if you’re observing lent in some way, let us know how by tweeting us @irishinbritain.
More information
See the Live–Well Programme for help to give up smoking, to find out more about reducing how much alcohol you consume or for help to lose weight.