Lent

Origin and history

Lent, in Latin Quadragesima ('fortieth'), echoes the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry, as told in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Moses and Elijah also fasted for forty days in the Bible. Christians use the season to prepare for Easter through prayer, fasting and almsgiving (giving to those in need). Sundays are not counted as fast days, since every Sunday celebrates the Resurrection. The fourth Sunday, halfway to Easter, is called Laetare Sunday.

Customs

• Giving up a food or a pleasure, or taking on a good habit, until Easter.
• Fasting or not eating meat on certain days, especially Fridays.
• Extra prayer, Bible reading and gifts to charity.

How traditions differ

In the West, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. In Eastern Orthodox and other Eastern churches, Great Lent lasts 40 continuous days from Clean Monday to Lazarus Saturday, before Holy Week. Lent is kept by Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican and Moravian churches, and by many but not all Methodist, Reformed and Baptist churches.

In the library

Works: The Bible

More in Lent

Shrove Tuesday · Ash Wednesday · St Patrick's Day · St Joseph's Day · The Annunciation