Ash Wednesday officially kicked off the Christian season of Lent last week, and today marks the first day of Eastern Orthodox Lent.

Lent is the period from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday and lasts six and a half weeks.

During the Lenten season, Christians partake in several forms of repentance, such as fasting and praying, in order to become closer to God.

Though one of the more popular aspects of Lent is the act of giving up something of high value, the Catholic faith has begun a transition to more giving than giving up.

“As a whole, the Catholic church got away from giving up things,” said Jen Conley, the director of music and liturgy at the Newman Center. “We’re encouraged to do extra, like service and additional works of mercy for people of need.”

Many, however, still choose to forgo favorites for Lent, not only as part of a tradition, but also as a test of will power, Conley said.

“I’m choosing to let go of something because it’s giving your will to God,” Conley said. “It’s almost like how someone might deal with an addiction. It helps people feel more in control.”

Though the Catholic church may be more well known for its Lenten practices, other Christian denominations also observe Lent.

“The Catholic church has a tradition of giving up things, and the Lutheran church doesn’t push that really,” said Marty Marks, pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran church.

Marks said the Lutheran denomination shares similar roots with the Catholic church, and the feelings of somberness and reflection have carried over.

Rev. Dwight Gorbold of the Baptist Campus Ministry said Ash Wednesday is not recognized fully among Baptists. They do, however, use the period to reflect and grow closer to God.

“The Baptists recognize giving something up as a practice from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday when Christ is risen,” Gorbold said.