I had great intentions of posting this last week as we were preparing for Lent, but alas, life intervened again. I wanted to share one of our Lenten traditions that has become an almost natural part of our lives now: the annual clothing fast. My sister developed this concept in high school, when she would pare herself down to a basic wardrobe during Lent to help detach herself from the fashions she loved. I used to try to do it myself by wearing an all-black or black-and-purple liturgical wardrobe during the penetential season. As fun as this was, it was difficult to maintain, especially as our family grew. But now I've hit on an even simpler way to observe the season: we simply put off changing over into summer clothing until after Easter. Our winter wardrobes are naturally filled with duller colors, and of course we're all tired of wearing them once the weather lightens up. But when we delay, Easter season is commemorated in a real, tangible way for our family. So if you haven't yet pulled out the t-shirts and pastels, consider holding off until after the Resurrection!Friday, February 27, 2009
Fasting from Spring Clothes
I had great intentions of posting this last week as we were preparing for Lent, but alas, life intervened again. I wanted to share one of our Lenten traditions that has become an almost natural part of our lives now: the annual clothing fast. My sister developed this concept in high school, when she would pare herself down to a basic wardrobe during Lent to help detach herself from the fashions she loved. I used to try to do it myself by wearing an all-black or black-and-purple liturgical wardrobe during the penetential season. As fun as this was, it was difficult to maintain, especially as our family grew. But now I've hit on an even simpler way to observe the season: we simply put off changing over into summer clothing until after Easter. Our winter wardrobes are naturally filled with duller colors, and of course we're all tired of wearing them once the weather lightens up. But when we delay, Easter season is commemorated in a real, tangible way for our family. So if you haven't yet pulled out the t-shirts and pastels, consider holding off until after the Resurrection!
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3 comments:
You obviously live in a climate where it's *possible* to wear spring or summer clothing before Easter. Where I live, all of those darling easter fashions aren't really weather appropriate until after Memorial Day.
You know, I don't think it's ever been a conscious fast, I'm not as fashion conscious; but I do tend to hold off on the pastels and white frilly clothes until Easter. No new clothes during Lent and I treat myself to something new for Easter. If not a whole new outfit, then at least a blouse or pair of shoes. It does make Easter Sunday seem so much more celebratory to break out the pastels. Even if I'm shivering in clothes that aren't yet seasonable in the New England "spring".
Great idea Regina! I did something similar to this in college: Every Friday of Lent I wore my least favorite outfit . . . Okay, it was usually an outfit that I down right disliked. It was very humbling and really good for me. Not only did it mortify my senses, but it got me to use ALL the clothes I have and to appreciate the blessing of having an abundance of clothes. It made me be a better steward of the gifts I have been given--even if it was something as basic as clothing.
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