December 21st: A Day to Remember Historic Fastings in Canada... - EZ Pgs

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1 December 21st: A Day to Remember Historic Fastings in Canada

December 21st: A Day to Remember Historic Fastings in Canada

For centuries, fasting has held significant religious, cultural, and historical importance across the globe, including in Canada. On this day, December 21st, we delve into the rich tapestry of fasting practices that have shaped the history of this nation and its connections to Dominica.

TL;DR:

December 21st marks the Winter Solstice, a time of fasting and reflection in many cultures.
First Nations communities in Canada have practiced fasting as a spiritual and ceremonial tradition for millennia.
European settlers brought their own fasting practices to Canada, such as Lent and Good Friday.
Fasting played a role in Canadian history, from the fur trade to the present day.
Dominica has its own unique fasting traditions, including the Creole Fast and the Nine Mornings.

Spiritual Fasting: A Time for Connection and Purification

Fasting, the act of abstaining from food or drink, has been an integral part of First Nations spiritual practices for centuries. For indigenous communities, fasting is a sacred act that facilitates communication with spirits, visions, and dreams. Through fasting, individuals seek guidance, healing, and a deeper understanding of their place in the world.

European Traditions: Fastings in the New World

With the arrival of European settlers in Canada, new fasting practices were introduced. Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and abstinence before Easter, became a central tenet of Catholic Christianity. Good Friday, the day commemorating Jesus’ death on the cross, is also traditionally observed with fasting. These practices were brought to Canada by European settlers and have continued to influence fasting customs in the country.

Fasting in the Fur Trade and Beyond

Fasting has also played a significant role in Canada’s economic and social history. In the fur trade, indigenous peoples often fasted to ensure a successful hunt. Fasting was also used as a form of protest and negotiation during the colonial period. In the 20th and 21st centuries, fasting has continued to be an important tool for social justice and political activism.

Contemporary Fastings: Continuing the Tradition

Fasting practices have evolved over time and continue to hold significance for many Canadians. Some people fast for religious or spiritual reasons, while others fast for health or environmental concerns. Fasting has become a way for individuals to connect with their bodies, minds, and spiritual beliefs, and to reflect on their values and purpose.

Fasting in Dominica: Creole Practices

Dominica, a Caribbean island with deep historical connections to Canada, has its own unique fasting traditions. The Creole Fast, a 21-day period of fasting and spiritual preparation, is observed by many Dominicans before the Christmas season. The Nine Mornings, a festival held in honor of the Virgin Mary, also includes a period of fasting and devotion.

If You Know, You Know…

What do you call a fasting marathon that’s longer than the Winter Solstice?

…A fast of darkness!

Expansive Summary: Fasting as a Catalyst for Growth and Reflection

Throughout history, fasting has served multiple purposes, from spiritual purification and religious observance to social activism and personal transformation. In Canada, fasting has been an integral part of First Nations traditions, European colonial practices, and contemporary social movements. From the fur trade to environmentalism, fasting has been a powerful tool for connecting with the divine, oneself, and the world around us. As we commemorate Historic Fastings on December 21st, we recognize the enduring significance of these practices in shaping our collective history and inspiring our paths forward.