Mythic Functions of Fasting

1. Mythic Functions of Fasting BT Rappaport

2. Fasting • Fasting generally refers to refraining from the intake of food, but it can also include refusing to drink liquids, even water. • Fasting is done for spiritual reasons as a means of purifying the soul in some cultures, health reasons in terms of maintaining stable health conditions, and political reasons in the essence of sending strong, sympathetic messages. • Fasting creates a lot of meaning and significance in the lives of the people that partake in it.

3. Fasting for Spiritual Purposes • Many different religions have fasts embedded in their traditions and belief systems. • Fasting creates meaning in the lives of spiritual fasters because it brings them closer to G-d especially in times of spiritual emptiness. • Some see importance in denying themselves food (pleasure) in order to punish themselves for sins. • Used to mourn a tragic loss in ones religion (destruction of a temple or religious structure) • Some value the act of sacrificing something humanly (eating) to feel what it is like to have less or to become more spiritual and godly .

4. Fasting for Spiritual Purposes Cont. • Fasting helps one’s self control, which is a necessary trait to serve G-d (symbolic of abstinence from bad desires) . • Fasting is valued because it helps one meditate. This can allow one to reflect on their wrongdoings and repent. Therefore, it is believed to be beneficial in getting forgiveness from G-d. • Abstaining from food is believed to allow the spirit to become more awake and to cause people to see how dependant they are on G-d. This brings them closer to G-d and enables them to receive G-d's true directions.

5. Fasting for Health • Fasting is believed to detoxify and cleanse the body and it is significant to these fasters because of its abilities. • Short fasts are valued because they are known to have a lot of health benefits- reduce some risks for heart disease, diabetes, and possibly cancer. People who fast for their health believe it will make them live longer. • It causes euphoric and alive feelings to some. • Because of its alleged benefits, it is used as a means of dieting in order to lose weight. • Some people take on fasting for health as a way of life because they value its cleansing abilities.

6. Political Fasting • Used to make political statements, to protest, or to bring awareness to a cause (such as poverty and hunger). • Fasting for a political reason is called a hunger strike. • It is a non-violent way to make a statement in order to achieve a political goal. • The people who fast for political reason believe in fasting as a method to voice their views. • Political fasters value their statements and take pride in fasting for it. Fasting is significant in their lives because it represents their statements/ views.

7. Consequences of Fasting Fasting can negatively impact one's health by causing fatigue, dizziness, nausea, hunger, and dehydration. Therefore, it may result in one's lack of ability in performing tasks that require substantial amount of energy.  Some people feel cranky and sick if they fast. Fasting can diminish someone's immune system if they are not in good shape before they fast. People who are pregnant, diabetic, severely underweight, recuperating from surgery, or have a serious medical condition should not fast because it can be dangerous. • Spiritual Fasting- These consequences can affect one’s ability to become close to G-d properly. • Health Fasting- These negative effects oppose their beliefs that fasting is beneficial for the body. • Political Fasting- These results might weaken the protestors, making them unable to adequately fight for their cause.

8. Consequences of Fasting Cont. • Spiritual Fasting- Since these people believe strongly that they must fast to have strong faith in G-d, they might fast too long and harm their bodies. Also, fasting to punish one’s self for sins might be considered self-mutilation, which is a recognized aspect of mental disorders. • Health Fasting- Dieting by excessive fasting accompanied by intense fears of becoming overweight is associated with mental disorders. (such as anorexia) People who believe in it as a dieting method might suffer from a mental disorder. • Political Fasting- If their statement is not accepted they can only do one of two things: they can continue fasting, which might cause them to starve to death or stop fasting, which would nullify the point they were trying to make. • All of them are very strong in their beliefs, which may cause them to be narrow minded and judgmental of others who do not agree with them.