Granted, this could get out of hand quickly, but in quick response to the question (and hopefully we'll agree to disagree because that's where this always ends up anyway)...

It comes from Christ himself fasting in the desert before he began his public ministry.
Such an intense time and intense self-sacrifice was apparently necessary, even for the Son of God Himself, to be able to master his HUMAN nature (which is what we all have and struggle with) - so that He could go on and successfully become the saviour of the world.

Christ was in the desert for 40 days.
Lent is 40 days long (not including Sundays, as Sundays are always special feast days)...

It's not directly written "Thou shalt give up something for Lent."
But Christ certainly did.
And we are to immitate Christ.
Logical deduction...we give something up as well.

Interesting question for this board, though...
I'm sure the fishermen of Christ's time had some good fish recipes!
-- Loretta

p.s...you may email me privately regarding the answer to the other (also off topic) "rules"

Edited by moderator.
I have removed the email address as posting email addresses is against our forum rules. Please use the private messaging system for this.