Lent

Lent is a special time for many Christians around the world, leading up to the celebration of Easter. It lasts for 40 days and remembers the time Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert before he began his public teaching. During Lent, many people give up something they enjoy as a way to show their devotion and remember Jesus's sacrifice.

Different Christian groups observe Lent in slightly different ways, but they all focus on prayer, fasting, and giving to others. Some traditions start Lent on Ash Wednesday, while others begin on Clean Monday. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week, which includes important days like Palm Sunday and Good Friday, ending with the joyful Easter celebration of Jesus's resurrection.

Etymology

The word Lent comes from an old English word, lencten, which means "spring season". This is because Lent happens in the spring. In many languages, the name for Lent refers to the 40 days leading up to Easter. For example, in Greek it is Sarakostí, meaning "fortieth", and in Latin it is quadragesima, also meaning "fortieth".

In some languages, Lent is named after the fasting that is part of this time. For example, in German it is called Fastenzeit, meaning "fasting period", and in Arabic it is called al-ṣawm al-kabīr, meaning "The Great Fast". Different cultures have their own special names for Lent, reflecting its importance in Christian traditions.

Main article: Lent

Origin

The season of Lent began as a time of fasting and prayer, inspired by stories in the Christian Bible. Important figures like Moses and Elijah fasted for 40 days, and Jesus also fasted for 40 days before beginning his teachings. Early Christians started observing a fast before Easter, often eating only simple foods like bread and vegetables.

Over time, the practice of a 40-day fast before Easter became more common. By the 4th century, church leaders had established Lent as a special time of preparation for Easter. This tradition continues in many Christian churches today.

Date and duration

The 40 days of Lent are observed differently among Christian denominations based on how they calculate the date of Easter and which days they include. Most churches use either the Gregorian or Julian calendar to determine these dates.

In the Roman Catholic Church, Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on the evening of Holy Thursday. This period includes 44 days, but the focus is on 40 days of fasting and reflection. Other churches, such as Lutheran, Anglican, and many Protestant traditions, observe Lent from Ash Wednesday to the evening of Holy Saturday, which also totals 40 days when excluding Sundays.

In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, Lent, known as Great Lent, begins on Clean Monday and lasts for 40 days, including Sundays. This period is followed by Holy Week leading up to Easter. Each tradition has its own unique customs and practices for observing this holy season.

Associated customs

Three important practices are followed during Lent: prayer, fasting, and giving to others. These help people reflect and show love to God and their neighbors.

Lent includes special observances like the Stations of the Cross, where people remember Jesus’ journey to the cross. Churches often remove flowers and cover religious statues and crosses with purple cloth during the last two weeks of Lent. These actions show respect and preparation for Easter.

Before Lent starts, many Christians think about what they will give up or change during this holy time. Some celebrate Carnival or Shrove Tuesday, enjoying fun and food before the quiet days of Lent begin.

Holy days within the season of Lent

Lent includes several important holy days. In Eastern Christianity, Clean Monday marks the start of Lent, while in Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday is the first day. Each Sunday during Lent has special names and meanings. The fourth Sunday, called Laetare Sunday, is a time of joy, and some churches wear pink instead of violet clothes. The sixth Sunday is Palm Sunday, beginning Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter.

The week before Easter is very special. Maundy Thursday remembers the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples. Good Friday is the day Christians remember Jesus' crucifixion and burial. The Easter Triduum, a three-day event, leads up to Easter and includes special services and prayers.

Media coverage

In the United Kingdom, BBC's Radio Four broadcasts special programmes called the Lent Talks during Lent. These short talks are usually heard on Wednesdays and have included speakers like John Lennox.

In the United States, the Hallow app holds prayer events throughout Lent. The current event, #Pray40 2025, has brought together over one million people to pray together during this time.