Note to the reader: This story was originally published on February 25, 2020.

The reason why people are giving up chocolate or fat for the next 40 days is not because of a fad diet, it is for a thousand-year-old tradition.

Erik Peters is a pastor at Sherwood Park Lutheran Church in Winnipeg. He believes that Lent is "one way we can grow closer to God" but that it is not necessary for everyone to practice it in the same way.

"The idea is to be like Jesus in fasting and prayer," Peters says.

"The practice of the ashes go all the way back to the people of Isreal, who would put on cloth and ashes as a sign of repentance before God."

The pastor adds that Lent has been practiced for a very long time.

"The practice of the ashes go all the way back to the people of Isreal, who would put on cloth and ashes as a sign of repentance before God," Peters says. "About a thousand years ago the practice (of Ash Wednesday) became more solidified." 

During Lent, many people will often choose to give something up during this time such as chocolate or meat as a way to remember Jesus's fasting. Occasionally others, such as Peters, will take up a practice in the 40 days instead.

"Some people actually do the opposite (of giving something up). They might start a Bible study or volunteer at a soup kitchen," Peters says. This year Peters says he might focus more on prayer, meditation, or on a particular devotional. 

He shares that on the day before Ash Wednesday people will typically make pancakes as an easy way to get rid of all the butter and maple syrup in the house. Peters confirms that he too will be enjoying pancakes with his congregation for Shrove Tuesday.