digiuni

Digiuni refers to fasting in Italian, i.e., the voluntary abstention from food and sometimes drink for a period. The term covers penitential practices in various religious traditions as well as secular dietary regimens. Etymology traces to Latin ieiunium meaning fasting, transmitted into Italian as digiuno in singular and digiuni in plural.

In religious contexts, fasting appears in many faiths. Christian practice includes penitential fasts during Lent and days of abstinence. In Judaism, Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av are established fast days. In Islam, the month of Ramadan requires abstention from food and drink from dawn until sunset. Other traditions also include fasting as a spiritual discipline.

Types of digiuni vary. An absolute fast permits no food or drink, while a partial or modified fast restricts certain items or calories. Medical or secular fasting may take forms such as intermittent fasting, time-restricted eating, juice fasts, or water-only periods. The duration ranges from several hours to several days, sometimes longer under supervision.

Contemporary use of the term in Italian mirrors both religious and secular practices. While some adherents view digiuni as a moral or spiritual exercise, others pursue it as a weight-management or health strategy. Medical guidance is typically advised for long fasts or individuals with certain health conditions.