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[quote=RantingAtheist][quote=Anonymous][quote=RantingAtheist]Why would a non-believer want to participate in Mardi Gras? Or Easter? Or Christmas? Why would a non-Jew go to seder, even if invited?

To the main question: The impulse of resolving to give something up is a universal one. In our culture, either Lent or New Year's are the two dates most associated with doing so. It seems pretty logical that someone raised in the US would choose one of those two days. Sorry, you can't patent or copyright cultural memes. If you want to keep your rites to yourself, you should do what other religions like Mormonism and Scientology do and keep 'em secret.[/quote]

It's one thing to get drunk and flash strangers, or participate in an egg hunt. Ditto with decking the halls. Typically what people take from religious holidays and choose to "practice" (although I use that term loosely) are the fun things. [b]If you're going to give something up, you don't need Lent to do it.[/b] You would, however, look like an idiot decorating a Christmas tree in July, Hallmark be damned. And if you're really aiming to give something up for good, as most people with the impulse to give something up do, choosing an event that lasts for only 40 days isn't the way to do it. It really just means that on Easter you plan to indulge, provided you make it that long. So nope, still not seeing your logic. Sorry.[/quote]

It's always helpful to have some sort of arbitrary start date.  For some, it's a "New Year's resolution". If you flub that, and dig into the cookies anyway, "Lent" gives you a second bite at the apple. Anyway, I'm not Catholic, so I didn't know there was a forty day limit. Don't people give up, say "smoking" for Lent?  You learn something new every day!

When does Lent start, anyway? Is it too late to give something up?[/quote]

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