THE YEAR IS 2023. THE DAY IS 22 of the month of February . . .
I confess I find this period fascinating from the human point of view. It has all the ingredients that attract my attention. And, through the years, I certainly wrote all possible dichotomies, paradoxes, historic facts, and different interpretations on the subject. Apart, of course, from the plain derailment on how the human mind connects with intent hidden “nuances” while denying them. Or better, condemning them!
It happens to be a day after Carnival and 47 days before Easter. Mathematically means 40 days + 7 Sundays = a segment of the year we call LENT.
WHY LENT?
Etymology: The English word Lent is a chopped noun from the Old English word lencten = "spring season." Its Dutch language lente (Old Dutch lentin). German, Lenz (Old High German lenzo), is also related.
But we need to understand FEBRUARY first . . . which comes from the Latin februa = “purification rites.” The Roman name Februarius Mensis = “month of purification” in which purification rituals took place yearly, with festivals and sacrifices to the god of purification Februus.
It marks also the beginning of the Christian Lent. The Gospels describe how Jesus fasted in the desert while resisting temptations from Satan, preparing for his life ministry. It is how the relationship between “sacrifices of diet goodies” became associated with this season.
I have heard all my life how hard was to sacrifice whatever deliciousness the sinners chose to cut out of their gastronomical delight. All were truly impacted by what they were denying from their mouth to rejoice, more than their stomach.
Food is about the senses. Although I confess, I always wondered what happened to fight against Satan. Because a piece of chocolate cake cannot be turned into the devil! On the other hand . . . senses, flavoring deliciousness is orgastic! Oops! Then senses are the 1001 presence of the DEVIL! I mean, religiously speaking, not practiced.
When the Latin mass was translated into various vernacular languages, LENT became Quadragesima (because of the 40 days), Spanish (Cuaresma), French (Carême), and Italian (Quaresima). Same as in Portuguese Quaresma.
We all know that Carnival was a pagan and… “demoniac” celebration . . ., really?
Is everyone thinking about de Devil while fighting to collect beads at the NOLA parades, or dancing their heart out with the beats of thousands of drums during a batucada of the samba? As far as I am concerned, that beat drives me bananas, and as soon as it all begins I am dancing my heart out with an exhilaration that is heavenly and satisfying! I would even dare say, “extraterrestrial.”
Then, when we speak of pagans, Devil, God, and sacrifice I question not the past, as the past was horrific. But let us focus on the present, as everyone has a television:
- Did the Orthodox Church make any effort in stopping Christian Putin from committing genocide? NO
- Did they condemn him to stop the Christmas murders? NO
- What about the destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals, the rapes of women, and civilian prisoners being brainwashed to forget the horrors or to be marketed? NO
- Did they request Putin stops lying about the validity of the war or remind him of the Devil when threatened with nuclear bombs? NO
- Did the so-called “American Christians” exceptionals” stop some level of support for Putin horrors, lie about family values, accept mass murderers to carry guns, and . . . ? NO
- What about racism, killing of Native Americans, women inequality and crimes against them, crimes about the environment, health care workers, denying voting rights, abuse to children, corruption, crimes against the Constitution, and and and and? NO
- Did Evangelicals condemn all of the about in America? NO NO NO, they cheer.
- What about the cruelty of corporations to accept lies, violence, and use of chemicals…… in the name of Capitalism and “democracy”? NO
From my subjective point of view: we were given a mental ability to understand what is “good and bad” . . . even animals understand violence and discipline.
Stop the FARCE to speak of “values” and “repentance” as a proof you are sacrificing something eatable, and worse, turning into a “ better version of “yourself,” to go back after 47 days feeling that you are clear for a lifetime.
Confession in itself is a joke, which any criminal, corrupt, lier can use as many times as they want, knowing they will be forgiven forever!
Although in life, there are always several ways of interpreting everything. And, LENT is no different! May is a month of weddings . . .and, weddings and diet go hand in hand!
I was a fashion designer for many years, and had a shop in the French Quarter. I created many of my one-of-a-kind lace, silk, English net, and organza collages for brides across America, Europe, and Africa. As NOLA has many tourists during Carnival they discovered my little shop. All brides, no matter if they were size 4, wanted me to make their dresses smaller because they were going on a diet! EVERY bride said it!
Yes! Did I fall for it? NEVER! But, suggested: "why don’t you use the LENT season to try to lose your weight (as most would marry inside a CHURCH!) and marry in May! Then call me if you lost a few pounds!"
NONE DID! The eternal delusion of never being satisfied with how you are, no matter your small size, and the illusion that a 4 needs to be a 3 or 2 on their wedding day and so on. Didn’t the guy had already given them the ring?? Ha ha!
My interpretation is simple: traditions are beautiful to join family and friends around a wonderful meal, plenty of laughs, music, and sharing memories, without fighting. But I am against “moralizing” traditions in connection with acts of repentance, showing high level of a moral stand (making yourself feel better or impressing others . . .), are the most hypocritical celebrations we cultivate. One that is a dichotomy of all the intentions. Including swearing on top of a Bible... while never acting upon it!
i do
REPENT? WHO IS JOKING?
INTERNATIONAL EARTH DAY: 03/20 
ARBOR DAY 3/27?
APRIL FOOL:
THREE WOMEN a day are killed by their partners in the USA 
MEMORIAL DAY-SINCE 1776- 222 years out of 239 years, US SPENT AT WAR= 93% OF TIME 
but, DEMOCRACY IS SUCKED
