I have recently become acquainted with this religious concept called "Lent" which is followed by the Catholics.From what I have heard from my friends, it apparently is a ritual for a period of 40 days, when people give up their "bad" habits, fast and follow some other norms.
The first thought I had was that it sounded very similar to the "Ayyappa Vratham" (which is for a period of 40 days) which is followed by some Hindus. This vratham also preaches that devotees should fast and and stop cursing, consuming alcohol and to not smoke. And this act of penance or whatever one might prefer to call it, will supposedly purge your sins.
I can see how this rituals made sense to the people who conceived it. A period during which people give up doing things frowned upon by society. During this period, they will not be frowned upon or be cast a disgusted look. So, they might feel good, and give up such habits permanently. It is indeed, a brilliant idea. In an ideal world, it would have resulted in the elimination of such habits and make the society a better place to live. But then, ours is hardly an ideal world.
Such rituals could have worked during the days when people feared God and didn't question the many flaws and fallacies of religion. Which was until a few centuries ago. But in our present, post modern world, people feel free to question God and religion. Hence, these rituals have become a mere formality.
Most of the devotees or followers tend to observe the rituals just because they are obligated to. And then they go back to the way they were before. Why do it when you don't believe in it?
The first thought I had was that it sounded very similar to the "Ayyappa Vratham" (which is for a period of 40 days) which is followed by some Hindus. This vratham also preaches that devotees should fast and and stop cursing, consuming alcohol and to not smoke. And this act of penance or whatever one might prefer to call it, will supposedly purge your sins.
I can see how this rituals made sense to the people who conceived it. A period during which people give up doing things frowned upon by society. During this period, they will not be frowned upon or be cast a disgusted look. So, they might feel good, and give up such habits permanently. It is indeed, a brilliant idea. In an ideal world, it would have resulted in the elimination of such habits and make the society a better place to live. But then, ours is hardly an ideal world.
Such rituals could have worked during the days when people feared God and didn't question the many flaws and fallacies of religion. Which was until a few centuries ago. But in our present, post modern world, people feel free to question God and religion. Hence, these rituals have become a mere formality.
Most of the devotees or followers tend to observe the rituals just because they are obligated to. And then they go back to the way they were before. Why do it when you don't believe in it?
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