Green Medina

Happy Lent and Ramadan! As you fast at this time of year, it may be interesting for you to examine a brief overview of the fasting traditions in many different cultures and religions around the globe.

Fasting is a practice often associated with spiritual purification, self-discipline, and devotion.

1. Islam – Ramadan

• When: The 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
• How: Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations.
• Purpose: It is a time for spiritual reflection, increased prayer, and charity. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims often read the entire Quran during this month. 
• Ending: The month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a festive celebration with communal prayers and feasts.

2. Christianity – Lent

• When: 40 days before Easter, typically starting on Ash Wednesday.
• How: Many Christians, particularly Catholics and Orthodox Christians, fast or give up certain foods (e.g., meat, dairy, or sweets). Some may practice intermittent fasting.
• Purpose: It represents the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, emphasizing penance, self-discipline, and spiritual renewal.
• Ending: It ends before Easter Sunday, in which Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

3. Judaism – Yom Kippur & Other Fasts

• When: Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) falls on the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tishrei (September/October).
• How: A 25-hour fast from food, drink, and physical pleasures.
• Purpose: A time for repentance, atonement, and prayer.
• Other Fasts:
  • Tisha B’Av – Mourning the destruction of the First and Second Temples. (25 hour fast)
  • Fast of Esther, Fast of Gedaliah, Asarah B’Tevet, & Shivah Asar B’Tammuz – Minor fasts. (Fasting from sunrise to sundown)

4. Hinduism – Various Ekadashi and Navratri Fasts

• When: Different fasting periods occur throughout the Hindu calendar.
• How: Many Hindus fast on Ekadashi (twice a month) and during Navratri (nine nights twice a year).
• Purpose: Fasting is a form of devotion, self-discipline, and purification. It is often linked to worshiping deities like Vishnu, Shiva, or the Goddess Durga.
• Examples:
  • Maha Shivaratri – Devotees fast in honor of Lord Shiva.
  • Karva Chauth – Married women fast for the well-being of their husbands.

5. Buddhism – Uposatha (Observance Days)

• When: Lunar calendar days, especially full moons.
• How: Many Buddhists, especially monks and nuns, follow intermittent fasting, refraining from food after midday.
• Purpose: It is a time for increased meditation, chanting, and ethical observance.

6. Jainism – Paryushana

• When: Usually in August or September.
• How: Jains fast for eight to ten days, with some practicing complete fasting (no food or water) or consuming only boiled water.
• Purpose: It is a time for intense spiritual reflection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness.

7. Bahá’í – The Nineteen-Day Fast

• When: March 1-19.
• How: Bahá’ís fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food and drink.
• Purpose: It is a period of spiritual renewal and preparation for the new year (Naw-Rúz).

8. Indigenous and Traditional Fasts

• Many Indigenous cultures practice fasting for vision quests, purification, and spiritual connection.
• Native American traditions may include fasting as part of rites of passage or ceremonies like the Sun Dance.
• According to sources like Anishnawbe Health Toronto, some teachings say that you fast in the fall to take away negative energy and you fast in the spring to replenish yourself with new energy.

Each fasting tradition has unique rituals and meanings, but they all share a common theme of self-discipline, reflection, and connection to the divine.