The answer is: False

The 40 days of abstinence was borrowed from the worshippers of a Babylonian goddess. Lent is not connected to the death and crucifixion of Christ, and neither are Christians commanded to observe 40 days of fasting.

While many associate Lent with Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness, its origins go further back, with some tracing it to ancient rituals and ascetic practices. The idea of a long period of fasting changes shape notably through history. The early Christians may have indeed drawn inspiration from pre-Christian rites, such as honoring fertility deities, which emphasizes how traditions blend and evolve!

Interestingly, the Babylonian goddess Ishtar, for whom spring festivities were dedicated, had celebrations that carbon date back millennia before the establishment of Lent. Ishtar's own spring festivals involved not only fasting but also rituals that ushered in light and fertility, echoing themes found in various cultural practices.

Did you know that other cultures engage in similar abstination practices? In Hindi culture, for example, the tradition of fasting during Navratri acts as a period of self-discipline and spiritual reflection!

Additionally, in the Christian scripture, the features of fasting are sprinkled throughout, showing its importance in the context of prayer (like in Matthew 17:21). This gives a rich tapestry through which one can contemplate Lent—it balances the formal traditions inherited from the past with personal reflection that aligns with the spirit of the season.

So, whether observing Lent or another reflective practice, what truly matters is the choice to engage in personal growth, seeking deeper connections with oneself and, for many, a transcendent essence beyond earthly concerns.