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This Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season of 2009. Traditionally, Lent is a 40-day season of fasting and prayer before Easter. These 40 days represent the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert where, according to scripture, he was tempted by Satan. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday.

Today, Lent has returned to its “baptismal” emphasis. It’s not meant to be a time of penance any longer, but a time to deepen our commitment to Christ through prayer, fasting or donations. It is a time to renew your faith and for baptismal promises to be reaffirmed.

Before Lent even starts, however, it is customary to start preparing for the 40-day deprivation period. That’s what Mardi Gras is for. With tons of beads, food and alcohol, Mardi Gras is the last bit of indulgence. Even though Lent is usually constrained to Catholics, people who practice different religions, denominations or no religion at all take place in this celebration.

Though Mardi Gras is an event that everyone enjoys, Lent is not for the faint of heart

Lent is becoming less common as the years go by. Fewer denominations are practicing the Lent. Some Auburn students have mixed feelings about this time meant to prepare for the resurrection of Christ.

“This year I’m not giving anything for Lent,” Senior Emily Hix said. “I wasn’t really raised practicing the tradition of Lent so I haven’t really started doing it in college. But I think Lent is a really great thing for people who do do it.”

Others don’t really see the purpose of it.

“I don’t give anything up for Lent,” Senior Claire Ames said. “Anything that I would give up for Lent I would just give up any other day of the year. I’ve never really given anything up for Lent. I’m going to Mardi Gras this weekend in Mobile, so that’s what I’m doing for Lent.”

Although Catholics more traditionally practice it, Lent is also observed by some Protestant denominations.

“I’m not sure what I’m giving up yet,” Senior Emily Deeter said. “I’ve given up Diet Coke and chocolate and things like that in the past so it’ll probably be along those lines, but I’m really not sure.”

Even though Lent is no longer supposed to be a time of deprivation, some still believe that they should sacrifice something since Jesus fasted for those 40 days.

“This year for Lent, I’m giving up Coke Zero,” Senior Brittney Barlow said. “I really like it and I think it would be a really great thing for me to give up. I drink it all the time and it’s something that I need to cut back on.”

So whether you decide not to do anything out of the ordinary, deprive yourself of something or do more good deeds, Lent should be, at least, a time of reflection. Lent is another chance to start over. Like a New Year’s Resolution that you can start over after you messed up on the original. And because it deals with religion, it is a little more binding.