For the majority of us, the winter months are a time for gatherings with relatives, traveling, gift-giving, and feasting. However, it is also a period of fasting for many people worldwide, a custom rich in spirituality and culture. Throughout numerous backgrounds and religions, fasting whether it be by abstaining from food, particular pleasures, or time for introspection connects people to something bigger than themselves.
With students from distinct ethnic and religious origins attending our school, fasting provides a unique perspective into how people get ready for and enjoy the holidays.
“I believe that fasting before Christmas makes it more special”, junior Soliana Kassahun, a first-timer in Ethiopian Orthodox fasting, which continues until January 7, the day Ethiopians celebrate Christmas (Gena). “Because we are taking the time to thank and glorify our God before celebrating his day” she added.
Many Christians believe that fasting in the weeks before Christmas helps them get morally ready for the holiday in honor of the birth of Christ. The Nativity Fast in Orthodox Christianity is a 40-day period that starts on November 15 and ends on December 24. During this time, Christians refrain from eating meat, dairy, and other fatty foods in favor of prayer, goodwill, and cleanliness. Greek, Russian, and other Orthodox Christian groups follow this protocol, which has its origins in Byzantine traditions that valued dedication and simplicity. “I definitely see fasting as one of the best ways I get closer to God”,Junior Soliana Kassahun said. “You spend this time working on yourself and cutting out your bad habits,” she added.
Fasting is an essential component of Christmas Eve in some European nations as well, including Poland and Italy. For example, in Poland, families gather for the vegetarian Wigilia dinner, which represents purity after fasting all day. Prior to Christmas Day, it’s a moment to consider family ties and cherish togetherness.
Even though traditional fasting has declined in popularity to some extent, Senior investigator Mark Mattson of the National Institute on Aging, a division of the National Institutes of Health in the United States, claims studies have demonstrated that fasting strengthens disease biomarkers, lowers oxidative stress, and maintains memory and learning abilities.
Fasting throughout the holidays may occur on the Tenth of Tevet (Asarah B’Tevet), a day of transformation and grief for Jewish students. This fast, which is kept from sunrise to sunset, honors the start of the historic conquest of Jerusalem. Although it has nothing to do with Christmas, it frequently occurs in late December or early January, which fits well with the season’s introspective vibe.
“I believe celebrating and fasting on this day is more common for Orthodox Jews, yet I do think fasting can make us more aware of what we have in life to be grateful for,” IB environmental systems teacher Stefanie Kline said. “But I also know that one size does not fit all. Some people find gratitude in other ways, and there are those who are unable to fast due to medical reasons” she added.
Although the concept of fasting may appear to run contrary to the luxury that is sometimes connected with Christmas, it actually conveys an important idea. Fasting is a way to stop, think, and connect with underlying values that transcends many traditions. It’s about taking a step back from interruptions, like eating or other pleasures, and concentrating on family, thankfulness, and serving others.
Fasting can be motivating for us students during a hectic time. The concepts of self-discipline, self-examination and tolerance that underlie these disciplines are broad, even though we may not all adhere to them, we can all enjoy the idea of fasting in our own unique ways.
“ I view the topic of fasting quite interesting since I have friends who fast and complain to me how hungry they are”, senior Kanica Sum said. “Seeing how different cultures fast allows me to be respectful with their traditions,” she added. These cultural practices serve as a reminder of the various ways that people derive significance from the Christmas season at a school as diverse as ours. This year, let’s honor the rich customs which make this time of year so memorable for everyone by celebrating not only the feasting but additionally the fasts.
