Meaning of the word lent

This article is about the Western Christian 40-day period. For Lent in Eastern Christianity, see Great Lent. For other uses, see Lent (disambiguation).

Lent Quadragesima
High altar, barren, with few adornments, as is custom during Lent
Type	Christian
Celebrations	Omission of Gloria and Alleluia Veiling of religious images
Observances	Fasting Praying Alms giving
Begins	On Ash Wednesday (Western) On Clean Monday (Eastern)
Ends	On Holy Thursday (Catholic) On Holy Saturday (Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Moravian, and Western Orthodox) On the Friday before Lazarus Saturday (Eastern)
Date	Variable (follows the paschal computus, and depends on denomination)
2022 date	2 March – 14 April (Roman Catholic) 2 March – 16 April (Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Moravian, and Western Orthodox) 7 March – 15 April (Eastern)
2023 date	22 February – 6 April (Roman Catholic) 22 February – 8 April (Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Moravian, and Western Orthodox) 27 February – 7 April (Eastern)
2024 date	14 February – 28 March (Roman Catholic) 14 February – 28 March (Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Moravian, and Western Orthodox) 18 March – 26 April (Eastern)
Frequency	Annual (lunar calendar)
Related to	Exodus, Temptation of Christ

Lent (Latin: Quadragesima,^[1] ‘Fortieth’) is the solemn Christian religious observance in the liturgical year commemorating the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, before beginning his public ministry.^[2][3] Lent is observed in the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Moravian, Oriental Orthodox, Church of the East, United Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions of Christianity.^[4][5] Some Anabaptist, Baptist, Reformed (including certain Continental Reformed, Presbyterian and Congregationalist churches), and nondenominational Christian churches also observe Lent, although many churches in these traditions do not.^{[6][7][8][9][10][11]}

Which days are enumerated as being part of Lent differs between denominations (see below), although in all of them Lent is described as lasting for a total duration of 40 days, the number of days Jesus, as well as Moses and Elijah, went without food in their respective fasts.^[12][13][14] In Lent-observing Western Churches, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later; depending on the Christian denomination and local custom, Lent concludes either on the evening of Maundy Thursday,^[15] or at sundown on Holy Saturday, when the Easter Vigil is celebrated,^[16] though in either case, Lenten fasting observances are maintained until the evening of Holy Saturday.^[17] Sundays may or may not be excluded, depending on the denomination. In Eastern Christianity – including Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Catholics, Eastern Lutherans, and Oriental Orthodox – Lent is observed continuously without interruption for 40 days starting on Clean Monday and ending on Lazarus Saturday before Holy Week.^[18][19]

Lent is a period of grief that necessarily ends with a great celebration of Easter. Thus, it is known in Eastern Orthodox circles as the season of «bright sadness» (Greek: χαρμολύπη, romanized: charmolypê).^[20] The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer for Easter through prayer, mortifying the flesh, repentance of sins, almsgiving, simple living, and self-denial.^[21] In Lent, many Christians commit to fasting, as well as giving up certain luxuries in imitation of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice during his journey into the desert for 40 days;^[22][23][24] this is known as one’s Lenten sacrifice.^[25]

Many Lent-observing Christians also add a Lenten spiritual discipline, such as reading a daily devotional or praying through a Lenten calendar, to draw themselves near to God.^[26][27] Often observed are the Stations of the Cross, a devotional commemoration of Christ’s carrying the Cross and crucifixion. Many churches remove flowers from their altars and veil crucifixes, religious statues that show the triumphant Christ, and other elaborate religious symbols in violet fabrics in solemn observance of the event. The custom of veiling is typically practiced the last two weeks, beginning on the Sunday Judica which is therefore in the vernacular called Passion Sunday until Good Friday, when the cross is unveiled solemnly in the liturgy.

In most Lent-observing denominations, the last week of Lent coincides with Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday. Following the New Testament narrative, Jesus’ crucifixion is commemorated on Good Friday, and at the beginning of the next week the joyful celebration of Easter Sunday, the start of the Easter season, which recalls the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In some Christian denominations, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday form the Easter Triduum.^[28]

Etymology[edit]

The English word Lent is a shortened form of the Old English word lencten, meaning «spring season», as its Dutch language cognate lente (Old Dutch lentin)^[30] still does today. A dated term in German, Lenz (Old High German lenzo), is also related. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, ‘the shorter form (? Old Germanic type *laŋgito— , *laŋgiton-) seems to be a derivative of *laŋgo— long […] and may possibly have reference to the lengthening of the days as characterizing the season of spring’. The origin of the —en element is less clear: it may simply be a suffix, or lencten may originally have been a compound of *laŋgo— ‘long’ and an otherwise little-attested word *-tino, meaning «day».^[23]

In languages spoken where Christianity was earlier established, such as Greek and Latin, the term signifies the period dating from the 40th weekday before Easter. In modern Greek the term is Σαρακοστή (Sarakostí), derived from the earlier Τεσσαρακοστή (Tessarakostí), meaning «fortieth». The corresponding word in Latin, quadragesima («fortieth»), is the origin of the terms used in Latin-derived languages and in some others.

Examples in the Romance language group are: Catalan quaresma, French carême, Galician coresma, Italian quaresima, Occitan quaresma, Portuguese quaresma, Romanian păresimi, Sardinian caresima, Spanish cuaresma, and Walloon cwareme.^[1] Examples in non-Latin-based languages are: Albanian kreshma, Basque garizuma, Croatian korizma, Irish and Scottish Gaelic carghas, Swahili kwaresima, Filipino kuwaresma, and Welsh c(a)rawys.^{[citation needed]}

In other languages, the name used refers to the activity associated with the season. Thus it is called «fasting period» in Czech (postní doba), German (Fastenzeit), and Norwegian (fasten/fastetid), and it is called «The Great Fast» in Arabic (الصوم الكبير – al-ṣawm al-kabīr), Syriac (ܨܘܡܐ ܪܒܐ ṣawmā rabbā), Polish (wielki post), Russian (великий пост – vieliki post), and Ukrainian (великий піст – velyky pist). Romanian, apart from a version based on the Latin term referring to the 40 days (see above), also has a «great fast» version: postul mare. Dutch has three options, one of which means fasting period, and the other two referring to the 40-day period indicated in the Latin term: vastentijd, veertigdagentijd and quadragesima, respectively.^[1] In India, it is called चरम चालीसा (Charam Chalisa — meaning, «climax forty»).

Origin[edit]

The pattern of fasting and praying for forty days is seen in the Christian Bible, on which basis the liturgical season of Lent was established.^[12][31] In the Old Testament, the prophet Moses went into the mountains for forty days and forty nights to pray and fast «without eating bread or drinking water» before receiving the Ten Commandments (cf. Exodus 34:28).^[31] Likewise, the prophet Elijah went into the mountains for forty days and nights to fast and pray «until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God» when «the word of the Lord came to him» (cf. 1 Kings 19:8–9).^[31] The early Christian bishop Maximus of Turin wrote that as Elijah by «fasting continiously for a period of forty days and forty nights…merited to extinguish the prolonged and severe dryness of the whole world, doing so with a stream of rain and steeping the earth’s dryness with the bounty of water from heaven», in the Christian tradition, this is interpreted as being «a figure of ourselves so that we, also fasting a total of forty days, might merit the spiritual rain of baptism…[and] a shower from heaven might pour down upon the dry earth of the whole world, and the abundant waters of the saving bath might saturate the lengthy drought of the Gentiles.»^[13] In the New Testament, Jesus went into the desert to fast and pray for forty days and forty nights; it was during this time that Satan tried to tempt him (cf. Matthew 4:1–3).^[31] The forty day and night fasts of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus prepared them for their work.^[12]

Early Christianity records the tradition of fasting before Easter.^[32] The Apostolic Constitutions permit the consumption of «bread, vegetables, salt and water, in Lent» with «flesh and wine being forbidden.»^[32] The Canons of Hippolytus authorize only bread and salt to be consumed during Holy Week.^[32] The practice of fasting and abstaining from alcohol, meat and lacticinia during Lent thus became established in the Church.^[32]

In AD 339, Athanasius of Alexandria wrote that the Lenten fast was a forty-day fast that «the entire world» observed.^[33] Saint Augustine of Hippo (AD 354–AD 430) wrote that: «Our fast at any other time is voluntary; but during Lent, we sin if we do not fast.»^[34]

Three main prevailing theories exist on the finalization of Lent as a forty-day fast prior to the arrival of Easter Sunday: First, that it was created at the Council of Nicea in 325 and there is no earlier incarnation. Second, that it is based on an Egyptian Christian post-theophany fast. Third, a combination of origins syncretized around the Council of Nicea.^[35] There are early references to periods of fasting prior to baptism. For instance, the Didache, a 1st or 2nd-century Christian text, commends «the baptizer, the one to be baptized, and any others that are able» to fast to prepare for the sacrament.^[36]

For centuries it has been common practice for baptisms to take place on Easter, and so such references were formerly taken to be references to a pre-Easter fast. Tertullian, in his 3rd-century work On Baptism, indicates that Easter was a «most solemn day for baptism.» However, he is one of only a handful of writers in the ante-Nicene period who indicates this preference, and even he says that Easter was by no means the only favored day for baptisms in his locale.^[37]

Since the 20th century, scholars have acknowledged that Easter was not the standard day for baptisms in the early church, and references to pre-baptismal periods of fasting were not necessarily connected with Easter. There were shorter periods of fasting observed in the pre-Nicene church (Athanasius noted that the 4th-century Alexandrian church observed a period of fasting before Pascha [Easter]).^[35] However it is known that the 40-day period of fasting – the season later named Lent – before Eastertide was clarified at the Nicene Council.^[38] In 363-64 AD, the Council of Laodicea prescribed the Lenten fast as «as of strict necessity.»^[33]

Date and duration[edit]

The 40 days of Lent are calculated differently among the various Christian denominations that observe it, depending on how the date of Easter is calculated, but also on which days Lent is understood to begin and end, and on whether all the days of Lent are counted consecutively. Additionally, the date of Lent may depend on the calendar used by the particular church, such as the (revised) Julian or Gregorian calendars typically used by Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox churches, or the Ethiopian and Coptic calendars traditionally used by some Oriental Orthodox churches.

Roman Catholicism[edit]

Since 1970, in the Roman Rite Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on the evening of Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. This comprises a period of 44 days. The Lenten fast excludes Sundays and continues through Good Friday and Holy Saturday, totaling 40 days (though the Eucharistic Fast still applies).^[39][40] Although Lent formally ends on Holy Thursday, Lenten fasting practices continue until the Easter Vigil and additionally, the celebration of Easter is preceded by the Paschal fast.^[17][41]

In the Ambrosian Rite, Lent begins on the Sunday that follows what is celebrated as Ash Wednesday in the rest of the Latin Catholic Church, and ends as in the Roman Rite, thus being of 40 days, counting the Sundays but not Holy Thursday. The day for beginning the Lenten fast in the Ambrosian Rite is the Monday after Ash Wednesday. The special Ash Wednesday fast is transferred to the first Friday of the Ambrosian Lent. Until this rite was revised by Saint Charles Borromeo, the liturgy of the First Sunday of Lent was festive, celebrated in white vestments with chanting of the Gloria in Excelsis and Alleluia, in line with the recommendation in Matthew 6:16, «When you fast, do not look gloomy.»^[42][43][44]

During Lent, the Church discourages marriages, but couples may marry if they forgo the special blessings of the Nuptial Mass and limit social celebrations.^[45]

The period of Lent observed in the Eastern Catholic Churches corresponds to that in other churches of Eastern Christianity that have similar traditions.

Protestantism and Western Orthodoxy[edit]

In Protestant and Western Orthodox Churches that celebrate it, the season of Lent lasts from Ash Wednesday to the evening of Holy Saturday.^[19][46] This calculation makes Lent last 46 days if the 6 Sundays are included, but only 40 days if they are excluded.^[47] This definition is still that of the Moravian Church,^[48] Lutheran Church,^[49] Anglican Church,^[50] Methodist Church,^[16] Western Rite Orthodox Church,^[51] United Protestant Churches,^[52] and those of the Reformed Churches (i.e., Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist) that observe Lent.^[53][54]

Eastern Orthodoxy and Byzantine Rite[edit]

In the Byzantine Rite, i.e., the Eastern Orthodox Great Lent (Greek: Μεγάλη Τεσσαρακοστή or Μεγάλη Νηστεία, meaning «Great 40 Days» and «Great Fast» respectively) is the most important fasting season in the church year.^[55]

The 40 days of Great Lent include Sundays, and begin on Clean Monday. The 40 days are immediately followed by what are considered distinct periods of fasting, Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday, which in turn are followed straightway by Holy Week. Great Lent is broken only after the Paschal (Easter) Divine Liturgy.

The Eastern Orthodox Church maintains the traditional Church’s teaching on fasting. The rules for lenten fasting are the monastic rules. Fasting in the Orthodox Church is more than simply abstaining from certain foods. During the Great Lent Orthodox Faithful intensify their prayers and spiritual exercises, go to church services more often, study the Scriptures and the works of the Church Fathers in depth, limit their entertainment and spendings and focus on charity and good works.

Oriental Orthodoxy[edit]

Among the Oriental Orthodox, there are various local traditions regarding Lent. Those using the Alexandrian Rite, i.e., the Coptic Orthodox, Coptic Catholic, Ethiopian Orthodox, Ethiopian Catholic, Eritrean Orthodox, and Eritrean Catholic Churches, observe eight continuous weeks of fasting constituting three distinct consecutive fasting periods:

1. a Pre-Lenten fast in preparation for Great Lent
2. Great Lent itself
3. the Paschal fast during Holy Week which immediately follows Lent

As in the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the date of Easter is typically reckoned according to the Julian Calendar, and usually occurs later than Easter according to Gregorian Calendar used by Catholic and Protestant Churches.

Ethiopian Orthodoxy[edit]

In Ethiopian Orthodoxy, fasting (tsome) lasts for 55 continuous days before Easter (Fasika), although the fast is divided into three separate periods: Tsome Hirkal, the eight-day Fast of Heraclius, commemorating the fast requested by the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius before he reputedly set out to fight the Sassanian Empire and recover the True Cross which had been seized and taken from Jerusalem; Tsome Arba, 40 days of Lent; and Tsome Himamat, seven days commemorating Holy Week.^[56][57][58] Fasting involves abstention from animal products (meat, dairy, and eggs), and refraining from eating or drinking before 3:00 pm.^[56] Ethiopian devotees may also abstain from sexual activity and the consumption of alcohol.^[56]

Quartodecimanism[edit]

Quartodeciman Christians end the fast of Lent on the Paschal full moon of the Hebrew calendar, in order to celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread beginning on the 14th of Nisan, whence the name derives. For this practice, they were excommunicated in the Easter controversy of the 2nd century A.D.

Associated customs[edit]

Three traditional practices to be taken up with renewed vigour during Lent; these are known as the three pillars of Lent:^[59]

1. prayer (justice toward God)
2. fasting (justice toward self)
3. almsgiving (justice toward neighbours)

Self-reflection, simplicity, and sincerity (honesty) are emphasised during the Lenten season.^[21]

Pre-Lenten observances[edit]

Shrovetide[edit]

During the season of Shrovetide, it is customary for Christians to ponder what Lenten sacrifices they will make for Lent.^[60] Another hallmark of Shrovetide is the opportunity for a last round of merrymaking associated with Carnival and Fastelavn before the start of the somber Lenten season. The traditions of carrying Shrovetide rods and consuming Shrovetide buns after attending church is celebrated.^[61][62]

On the final day of the season, Shrove Tuesday, many traditional Christians, such as Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists and Roman Catholics, «make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God’s help in dealing with.»^[63][64] During Shrovetide, many churches place a basket in the narthex to collect the previous year’s Holy Week palm branches that were blessed and distributed during the Palm Sunday liturgies; on Shrove Tuesday, churches burn these palms to make the ashes used during the services held on the very next day, Ash Wednesday.^[65]

In historically Lutheran nations, Shrovetide is known as Fastelavn. After attending the Mass on Shrove Sunday, congregants enjoy Shrovetide buns (fastelavnsboller), «round sweet buns that are covered with icing and filled with cream and/or jam.»^[61] Children often dress up and collect money from people while singing.^[61] They also practice the tradition of hitting a barrel, which represents fighting Satan; after doing this, children enjoy the sweets inside the barrel.^[61] Lutheran Christians in these nations carry Shrovetide rods (fastelavnsris), which «branches decorated with sweets, little presents, etc., that are used to decorate the home or give to children.»^[61]

In English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada, the day before Lent is known as Shrove Tuesday, which is derived from the word shrive, meaning «to administer the sacrament of confession to; to absolve.»^[66] In these countries, pancakes are associated with Shrove Tuesday because they are a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar – rich foods which are not eaten during the season.^[67]

Mardi Gras and carnival celebrations[edit]

Mardi Gras («Fat Tuesday») refers to events of the Carnival celebration, beginning on or after the feast of Epiphany and culminating on the day before Lent.^[68] The carnival celebrations which in many cultures traditionally precede Lent are seen as a last opportunity for excess before Lent begins. Some of the most famous are the Carnival of Barranquilla, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the Carnival of Venice, Cologne Carnival, the New Orleans Mardi Gras, the Rio de Janeiro carnival, and the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.^{[citation needed]}

Pre-Lenten fasting[edit]

In stark contrast to traditions of merrymaking and feasting, Oriental Orthodox Churches practice a Pre-Lenten fast in preparation for Lent which is immediately followed by the fast of Great Lent without interruption.

Fasting and Lenten sacrifice[edit]

There are traditionally 40 days in Lent; these are marked by fasting, both from foods and festivities, and by other acts of penance. Fasting is maintained for all forty days of Lent (regardless of how they are enumerated; see above). Historically, fasting has been maintained continuously for the whole Lenten season, including Sundays. The making of a Lenten sacrifice, in which Christians give up a personal pleasure for the duration of 40 days, is a traditional practice during Lent.^[69]

During Shrovetide and especially on Shrove Tuesday, the day before the start of the Lenten season, many Christians finalize their decision with respect to what Lenten sacrifices they will make for Lent.^[60] Examples include practicing vegetarianism and teetotalism during Lent as a Lenten sacrifice.^[70][71] While making a Lenten sacrifice, it is customary to pray for strength to keep it; many often wish others for doing so as well, e.g. «May God bless your Lenten sacrifice.»^[72] In addition, some believers add a regular spiritual discipline, to bring them closer to God, such as reading a Lenten daily devotional.^[26]

For Lutherans, Moravians, Anglicans, Methodists, Roman Catholics, United Protestants, and Lent-observing Reformed Christians, the Lenten penitential season ends after the Easter Vigil Mass or Sunrise service. Orthodox Christians also break their fast after the Paschal Vigil, a service which starts around 11:00 pm on Holy Saturday, and which includes the Paschal celebration of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. At the end of the service, the priest blesses cheese, eggs, flesh meats, and other items that the faithful have been abstaining from for the duration of Great Lent.

Lenten traditions and liturgical practices are less common, less binding, and sometimes non-existent among some liberal and progressive Christians.^[73] A greater emphasis on anticipation of Easter Sunday is often encouraged more than the penitence of Lent or Holy Week.^[74]

Some Christians as well as secular groups also interpret the Lenten fast in a positive tone, not as renunciation but as contributing to causes such as environmental stewardship and improvement of health.^[75][76] Even some atheists find value in the Christian tradition and observe Lent.^[77]

In cultivation of vegetables in a temperate oceanic climate in the northern hemisphere, Lent corresponds partly with the hungry gap.

Lenten Black Fast[edit]

Historically, using the early Christian form known as the Black Fast, the observant does not consume food for a whole day until the evening, and at sunset, Christians traditionally break the Lenten fast of that day with supper (no food is consumed in a day apart from the Lenten supper).^[78][79] In India and Pakistan, many Christians continue this practice of fasting until sunset on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, with many fasting in this manner throughout the whole season of Lent.^[80][81]

Daniel Fast[edit]

Christians of various traditions, including Catholics and Methodists, have voluntarily undertaken the Daniel Fast during the season of Lent, in which one abstains from «meat, fish, egg, dairy products, chocolates, ice creams, sugar, sweets, wine or any alcoholic beverages» (cf. Daniel 10:3).^[82][83][84]

Lenten supper[edit]

After attending a worship service (often on Wednesday and Friday evenings), it is common for Christians of various denominations to conclude that day’s Lenten fast together through a communal Lenten supper, which may be held in the church’s parish hall. Lenten suppers ordinarily take place in the home setting during the forty days of Lent during which a family (or individual) concludes that day’s fast after a mealtime prayer.^[85]

Abstinence from meat and animal produce[edit]

Fasting has historically included abstinence from wine, meat, and lacticinia (edible produce derived from animals including dairy products and eggs) which has been enjoined continuously for the whole duration of the season including Sundays.^[86][32] Throughout Christendom, some adherents continue to mark the season with a traditional abstention from the consumption of meat, most notably among Lutherans, Roman Catholics, and Anglicans.^[87][88] The form of abstention may vary depending on what is customary; some abstain from meat for 40 days, some do so only on Fridays, or some only on Good Friday itself.

In Roman Catholicism, lacticinia may be consumed by penitents in Spain and its colonised territories, per a pontifical decree of Pope Alexander VI. Until 1741, meat and lacticinia were otherwise forbidden for the whole season of Lent, including Sundays. In that year, Pope Benedict XIV allowed for the consumption of meat and lacticinia during certain fasting days of Lent.^[89]

Dispensations for the allowance of certain foods have been given throughout history, depending on the climate in that part of the world. For example, Giraldus Cambrensis, in his Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales, reports that «in Germany and the arctic regions», «great and religious persons» eat the tail of beavers as «fish» because of its superficial resemblance to «both the taste and colour of fish.» The animal was very abundant in Wales at the time.^[90] Saint Thomas Aquinas allowed for the consumption of candy during Lent, because «sugared spices», such as comfits, were, in his opinion, digestive aids on par with medicine rather than food.^[91]

Fasting practices are considerably relaxed in Western societies today, though in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Catholic, and Eastern Lutheran Churches abstinence from all animal products including eggs, fish, fowl, and milk is still commonly practiced, so that, where this is observed, only vegetarian (or vegan) meals are consumed for the whole of Lent, 48 days in the Byzantine Rite. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s practices require a fasting period that is a great deal longer, and there is some dispute over whether fish consumption is permissible.

In the traditions of Lent-observing Western Christian churches, abstinence from eating some form of food (generally meat, but not dairy or fish products) is distinguished from fasting. In principle, abstinence is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on every Friday of the year that is not a solemnity (a liturgical feast day of the highest rank); but in each country the episcopal conference can determine the form it is to take, perhaps replacing abstinence with other forms of penance.^[92][93][94]

Sexual abstinence[edit]

Through the Middle Ages, Christians abstained from sexual relations during the whole of Lent.^[95] In view of this, nine months after Lent, birth records were drastically low due to believers abstaining from intimate relations during Lent.^[96] In Spain, according to researchers from the University of Valencia and the University of Alcalà, the custom of abstaining from sexual relations was widely practiced until the end of the Franco régime, though some Christians voluntarily continue this practice today, and denominations such as the Eastern Orthodox Church continue to require abstinence from sexual relations during Lent.^[97][98]

Specific fasting traditions by Christian denomination[edit]

Roman Catholicism[edit]

Prior to 1966, the Roman Catholic Church allowed Catholics of fasting age to eat only one full meal a day throughout all forty days of Lent, except on the Lord’s Day. Catholics were allowed to take a smaller meal, called a collation, which was introduced after the 14th century A.D., and a cup of some beverage, accompanied by a little bread, in the morning.^[99] The 1917 Code of Canon Law allowed the full meal on a fasting day to be taken at any hour and to be supplemented by two collations, with the quantity and the quality of the food to be determined by local custom. Abstinence from meat was to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on Fridays and Saturdays in Lent.^[100]

The Lenten fast ended on Holy Saturday at noon. Only those aged 21 to 59 were obliged to fast. As with all ecclesiastical laws, particular difficulties, such as strenuous work or illness, excused one from observance, and a dispensation from the law could be granted by a bishop or parish priest.^[101] A rule of thumb is that the two collations should not add up to the equivalent of another full meal. Rather portions were to be: «sufficient to sustain strength, but not sufficient to satisfy hunger.»^[102]

In 1966, Pope Paul VI reduced the obligatory fasting days from all forty days of Lent to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, abstinence days to Fridays and Ash Wednesday, and allowed episcopal conferences to replace abstinence and fasting with other forms of penitence such as charity and piety, as declared and established in his apostolic constitution Paenitemini; fasting on all forty days of Lent is still «strongly recommended», though not under pain of mortal sin.^[103] This was done so that those in countries where the standard of living is lower can replace fasting with prayer, but «…where economic well-being is greater, so much more will the witness of asceticism have to be given…»^[104]

This was made part of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, which made obligatory fasting for those aged between 18 and 59, and abstinence for those aged 14 and upward.^[92] The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference decided to allow other forms of Friday penance to replace that of abstinence from meat, whether in Lent or outside Lent, suggesting alternatives such as abstaining from some other food, or from alcohol or smoking; making a special effort at participating in family prayer or in Mass; making the Stations of the Cross; or helping the poor, sick, old, or lonely.^[105]

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales made a similar ruling in 1985^[106] but decided in 2011 to restore the traditional year-round Friday abstinence from meat.^[107] The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has maintained the rule of abstention from meat on Friday only during Lent and considers poultry to be a type of meat but not fish or shellfish.^[108][109]

The Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen (CMRI), a Sedevacantist Roman Catholic congregation, requires fasting for its members on all of the forty days of the Christian season of repentance, Lent (except on the Lord’s Day). The CMRI mandates under the pain of grave sin, abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and all Fridays of the year in general.^[110]

Even during Lent, the rule about solemnities holds, so that the obligation of Friday abstinence does not apply on 19 and 25 March when, as usually happens, the solemnities of Saint Joseph and the Annunciation are celebrated on those dates. The same applies to Saint Patrick’s Day, which is a solemnity in the whole of Ireland as well as in dioceses that have Saint Patrick as their principal patron saint. In some other places, too, where there are strong Irish traditions within the Catholic community, a dispensation is granted for that day.^[111] In Hong Kong, where Ash Wednesday often coincides with Chinese New Year celebrations, a dispensation is then granted from the laws of fast and abstinence, and the faithful are exhorted to use some other form of penance.^[112]

Lutheranism[edit]

Following the birth of Lutheranism in the Protestant Reformation, Lutheran church orders in the 16th century «retained the observation of the Lenten fast, and Lutherans have observed this season with a serene, earnest attitude.»^[5] Many Lutheran churches advocate fasting during Lent,^[24][113] especially on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.^{[114][24][115][116]} A Handbook for the Discipline of Lent published by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a mainline Lutheran denomination, offers a number of guidelines for fasting, abstinence, and other forms of self-denial during Lent:^[87]

1. Fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday with only one simple meal during the day, usually without meat.
2. Refrain from eating meat (bloody foods) on all Fridays in Lent, substituting fish for example.
3. Eliminate a food or food group for the entire season. Especially consider saving rich and fatty foods for Easter.
4. Consider not eating before receiving Communion in Lent.
5. Abstain from or limit a favorite activity (television, movies etc.) for the entire season, and spend more time in prayer, Bible study, and reading devotional material.
6. Don’t just give up something that you have to give up for your doctor or diet anyway. Make your fast a voluntary self-denial (i.e. discipline) that you offer to God in prayer.^[87]

The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, a confessional Lutheran denomination, likewise permits (but does not require) members to give things up for Lent, while emphasizing that the purpose of Lent is repentance from sin rather than minor acts of self-denial in themselves.^[117][118]

Moravian Church[edit]

Members of the Moravian Church voluntarily fast during the season of Lent, along with making a Lenten sacrifice for the season as a form of penitence.^[119]

Reformed Churches[edit]

John Calvin, the principal figure in the development of Reformed theology, critiqued the practice of Lent in his Institutes of the Christian Religion as a «superstitious observance,» and observed that «Christ did not fast repeatedly (which he must have done had he meant to lay down a law for an anniversary fast), but once only, when preparing for the promulgation of the gospel.»^[120] Similarly, leading Reformed divines such as Samuel Rutherford rejected the obligation of Lent.^[121]

The Directory for Public Worship produced by the Westminster Assembly in 1644 and approved by the Scottish Parliament in 1645 takes the position that «[t]here is no day commanded in scripture to be kept holy under the gospel but the Lord’s day, which is the Christian Sabbath,» and approves of fasting specifically «upon special emergent occasions» (cf. days of humiliation and thanksgiving).^[122] Accordingly, and in keeping with the Reformed regulative principle of worship, the Reformed churches have historically not observed Lent.^[123]

Some churches in the Reformed tradition observe Lent today.^[23] For example, the Reformed Church in America, a Mainline Protestant denomination, describes the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, as a day «focused on prayer, fasting, and repentance,» encouraging members to «observe a Holy Lent, by self-examination and penitence, by prayer and fasting, by practicing works of love, and by reading and reflecting on God’s Holy Word.»^[124]
Among Reformed Christians who do observe Lent, Good Friday, which is towards the end of the Lenten season, is an important day of communal fasting, as it is for many Episcopalians, Lutherans, and Methodists.^[125]

Anglican Churches[edit]

In the Anglo-Catholic wing of the Anglican Communion, the Saint Augustine’s Prayer Book, a companion to the Book of Common Prayer, states that fasting is «usually meaning not more than a light breakfast, one full meal, and one half meal, on the forty days of Lent.»^[88] It further states that «the major Fast Days of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, as the American Prayer-Book indicates, are stricter in obligation, though not in observance, than the other Fast Days, and therefore should not be neglected except in cases of serious illness or other necessity of an absolute character.»^[126]

Methodist Churches[edit]

The historic Methodist homilies regarding the Sermon on the Mount stress the importance of the Lenten fast, which begins on Ash Wednesday.^[127] The United Methodist Church therefore states that:

There is a strong biblical base for fasting, particularly during the 40 days of Lent leading to the celebration of Easter. Jesus, as part of his spiritual preparation, went into the wilderness and fasted 40 days and 40 nights, according to the Gospels.^[128]

Good Friday, which is towards the end of the Lenten season, is traditionally an important day of communal fasting for Methodists.^[125] Rev. Jacqui King, the minister of Nu Faith Community United Methodist Church in Houston explained the philosophy of fasting during Lent as «I’m not skipping a meal because in place of that meal I’m actually dining with God.»^[129]

The United Methodist Church teaches, in reference to one’s Lenten sacrifice, that «On each Lord’s Day in Lent, while Lenten fasts continue, the reverent spirit of Lent is tempered with joyful anticipation of the Resurrection.»^[130]

[edit]

The number 40 has many Biblical references:

• Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai with God^[131]
• Elijah spent 40 days and nights walking to Mount Horeb^[132]
• God sent 40 days and nights of rain in the great flood of Noah^[133]
• The Hebrew people wandered 40 years in the desert while traveling to the Promised Land^[134]
• Jonah’s prophecy of judgment gave 40 days to the city of Nineveh in which to repent or be destroyed^[135]
• Jesus retreated into the wilderness, where He fasted for 40 days, and was tempted by the devil.^[136] He overcame all three of Satan’s temptations by citing scripture to the devil, at which point the devil left him, angels ministered to Jesus, and He began His ministry. Jesus further said that His disciples should fast «when the bridegroom shall be taken from them»,^[137] a reference to his Passion.
• It is the traditional belief that Jesus lay for 40 hours in the tomb,^[43] which led to the 40 hours of total fasting that preceded the Easter celebration in the early Church^[138] (the biblical reference to ‘three days in the tomb’ is understood by them as spanning three days, from Friday afternoon to early Sunday morning, rather than three 24-hour periods of time). Some Christian denominations, such as The Way International and Logos Apostolic Church of God,^[139] as well as Anglican scholar E. W. Bullinger in The Companion Bible, believe Christ was in the grave for a total of 72 hours, reflecting the type of Jonah in the belly of the whale.^[140]

One of the most important ceremonies at Easter is the baptism of the initiates on Easter Eve. The fast was initially undertaken by the catechumens to prepare them for the reception of this sacrament. Later, the period of fasting from Good Friday until Easter Day was extended to six days, to correspond with the six weeks of training necessary to give the final instruction to those converts who were to be baptized.^{[citation needed]}

Converts to Christianity followed a strict catechumenate or period of instruction and discipline prior to receiving the sacrament of baptism, sometimes lasting up to three years.^[141] In Jerusalem near the close of the fourth century, classes were held throughout Lent for three hours each day. With the legalization of Christianity (by the Edict of Milan) and its later imposition as the state religion of the Roman Empire, its character was endangered by the great influx of new members. In response, the Lenten fast and practices of self-renunciation were required annually of all Christians, both to show solidarity with the catechumens, and for their own spiritual benefit.^{[citation needed]}

Almsgiving[edit]

In addition to fasting and the Lenten sacrifice, the period of Lent is traditionally a time of almsgiving, when Christians are encouraged to donate the value of what they forego during Lent.

Prayer and devotion[edit]

A common practice is the singing of the Stabat Mater hymn in designated groups. Among Filipino Roman Catholics, the recitation of the epic of Christ’ passion, called Pasiong Mahal, is also observed. In many Christian countries, grand religious processions and cultural customs are observed,^[142] such as the Stations of the Cross.^[143] A custom of visiting seven churches during Holy Week to pray the Stations of the Cross and praying at each church, exists and has been done in an ecumenical context, involving Christians of the Catholic, Methodist, Episcopal and Salvationist traditions, among others.^[144]

Omission of Gloria and Alleluia[edit]

The Gloria in excelsis Deo, which is usually said or sung on Sundays at Mass (or Communion) of the Roman, Lutheran and Anglican rites, is omitted on the Sundays of Lent (as well as Sundays of Advent), but continues in use on solemnities and feasts and on special celebrations of a more solemn kind.^[145][146] Some Mass compositions were written especially for Lent, such as Michael Haydn’s Missa tempore Quadragesimae, without Gloria, in D minor, and for modest forces, only choir and organ. The Gloria is used on Maundy Thursday, to the accompaniment of bells, which then fall silent until the Gloria in excelsis of the Easter Vigil.^[147]

The Lutheran Divine Service, the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, the Anglican Churches, and the Presbyterian service of worship associate the Alleluia with joy and omit it entirely throughout Lent,^[148][149] not only at Mass but also in the canonical hours and outside the liturgy. The word «Alleluia» at the beginning and end of the Acclamation Before the Gospel at Mass is replaced by another phrase.

Before 1970, the omission began with Septuagesima, and the whole Acclamation was omitted and was replaced by a Tract; and in the Liturgy of the Hours the word «Alleluia», normally added to the Gloria Patri at the beginning of each Hour – now simply omitted during Lent – was replaced by the phrase Laus tibi, Domine, rex aeternae gloriae (Praise to you, O Lord, king of eternal glory).

Until the Ambrosian Rite was revised by Saint Charles Borromeo the liturgy of the First Sunday of Lent was festive, celebrated with chanting of the Gloria and Alleluia, in line with the recommendation in Matthew 6:16, «When you fast, do not look gloomy.»^[42][43][44]

In the Byzantine Rite, the Gloria (Great Doxology) continues to be used in its normal place in the Matins service, and the Alleluia appears all the more frequently, replacing «God is the Lord» at Matins.

Veiling of religious images[edit]

In certain majority-Christian states, in which liturgical forms of Christianity predominate, religious objects were traditionally veiled for the entire 40 days of Lent. Though perhaps uncommon in the United States of America, this practice is consistently observed in Goa, Malta, Peru, the Philippines (the latter only for the entire duration of Holy Week, with the exception of processional images), and in the Spanish cities: Barcelona, Málaga, and Seville. In Ireland, before Vatican II, when impoverished rural Catholic convents and parishes could not afford purple fabrics, they resorted to either removing the statues altogether or, if too heavy or bothersome, turned the statues to face the wall. As is popular custom, the 14 Stations of the Cross plaques on the walls are not veiled.

Crosses were often adorned with jewels and gemstones, the form referred to as Crux Gemmata. To keep the faithful from adoring elaborately-ornamented crucifixes, churches began veiling them in purple fabrics. The violet colour later came to symbolize penance and mourning.

Further liturgical changes in modernity reduced such observances to the last week of Passiontide. In parishes that could afford only small quantities of violet fabrics, only the heads of the statues were veiled. If no violet fabrics could be afforded at all, then the religious statues and images were turned around facing the wall. Flowers were removed as a sign of solemn mourning.

In the pre-1992 Methodist liturgy and pre-1970 forms of the Roman Rite, the last two weeks of Lent are known as Passiontide, a period beginning on the Fifth Sunday in Lent, which in the 1962 edition of the Roman Missal is called the First Sunday in Passiontide and in earlier editions Passion Sunday. All statues (and in England paintings as well) in the church were traditionally veiled in violet. This was seen as in keeping with John 8:46–59, the Gospel of that Sunday, in which Jesus «hid himself» from the people.

Within many churches in the United States of America, after the Second Vatican Council, the need to veil statues or crosses became increasingly irrelevant and was deemed unnecessary by some diocesan bishops. As a result, the veils were removed at the singing of the Gloria in Excelsis Deo during the Easter Vigil. In 1970, the name «Passiontide» was dropped, although the last two weeks are markedly different from the rest of the season, and continuance of the tradition of veiling images is left to the discretion of a country’s conference of bishops or even to individual parishes as pastors may wish.

On Good Friday, the Anglican, Lutheran, and Methodist churches traditionally veiled «all pictures, statutes, and the cross are covered in mourning black», while «the chancel and altar coverings are replaced with black, and altar candles are extinguished.» The fabrics are then «replaced with white on sunrise on Easter Sunday.»^[150]

Vestments[edit]

In the Lutheran, Methodist, Roman Catholic, and many Anglican churches, pastors and priests wear violet vestments during the season of Lent.^[152][153] Roman Catholic priests wear white vestments on solemnity days for St. Joseph (March 19) and the Annunciation (March 25), although these solemnities are transferred to another date if they fall on a Sunday during Lent or at any time during Holy Week. On the fourth Sunday of Lent, rose-coloured (pink) vestments may be worn in lieu of violet. Historically, black was also used: Pope Innocent III declared black to be the proper color for Lent, though Durandus of Saint-Pourçain asserted violet was preferable to black.^[154]

In some Anglican churches, a type of unbleached linen or muslin known as «Lenten array» is worn during the first three weeks of Lent, crimson is worn during Passiontide, and on holy days, the colour proper to the day is worn.^[155] In certain other Anglican churches, as an alternative to violet for all of Lent except Holy Week and red beginning on Palm Sunday through Holy Saturday, Lenten array, typically made of sackcloth such as burlap and trimmed with crimson cloth, often velvet, is worn, even during Holy Week—since the sackcloth represents penance and the crimson edges represent the Passion of Christ. Even the veils that cover the altar crosses or crucifixes and statuary (if any) are made of the same sackcloth with the crimson trim.

Holy days within the season of Lent[edit]

There are several holy days within the season of Lent:

• Clean Monday is the first of Lent in Eastern Christianity.
• Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in Western Christianity, such as the Roman Rite of the Roman Catholic Church, the Lutheran Churches, and Methodist Churches. However, in the Ambrosian Rite and the Mozarabic Rite, there is no Ash Wednesday: Lent begins on the first Sunday and the fast begins on the first Monday.
• Lenten Sundays

1. The first Sunday in Lent marks one of the weeks during which Ember days are observed in Western Christian churches.
3. The fourth Sunday in Lent, which marks the halfway point between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, is referred to as Laetare Sunday by Anglicans, Roman Catholics, and many other Christians, because of the traditional Entrance Antiphon of the Mass. Due to the more «joyful» character of the day (since laetare in Latin means «rejoice»), the priest, deacon, and subdeacon have the option of wearing vestments of a rose colour (pink) instead of violet.
• Additionally, the fourth Lenten Sunday, Mothering Sunday, which has become known as Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom and an occasion for honouring mothers of children, has its origin in a 16th-century celebration of the Mother Church.
• The fourth Sunday of Lent has also been called «Rose Sunday»; on this day the Pope blesses the Golden Rose, a jewel in the shape of a rose.
4. The fifth Sunday in Lent, also known in some denominations as Passion Sunday (and in some denominations also applies to Palm Sunday) marks the beginning of Passiontide.
5. The sixth Sunday in Lent, commonly called Palm Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent immediately preceding Easter.

• The Sundays in Lent carry Latin names in German Lutheranism, derived from the beginning of the Sunday’s introit. The first is called Invocabit, the second Reminiscere, the third Oculi, the fourth Laetare, the fifth Judica, the sixth Palm Sunday.

• Wednesday of Holy Week, Holy Wednesday (also sometimes known as Spy Wednesday) commemorates Judas Iscariot’s bargain to betray Jesus.^{[156][157][158]}
• Thursday of Holy Week is known as Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday, and is a day Christians commemorate the Last Supper shared by Christ with his disciples.
• The next day is Good Friday, which begins the Easter Triduum; on this day Christians remember Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and burial.

Easter Triduum[edit]

In the Anglican, Lutheran, Old Catholic, Roman Catholic, and many other traditions, the Easter Triduum is a three-day event that begins Maundy Thursday evening, with the entrance hymn of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. After this celebration, the consecrated Hosts are taken solemnly from the altar to a place of reposition, where the faithful are invited to meditate in the presence of the consecrated Hosts.This is the Church’s response to Jesus’ question to the disciples sleeping in the Garden of Gethsemane, «Could you not watch with me one hour?» On the next day, the liturgical commemoration of the Passion of Jesus Christ is celebrated at 3 pm, unless a later time is chosen due to work schedules.

This service consists of readings from the Scriptures, especially John the Evangelist’s account of the Passion of Jesus, followed by prayers, veneration of the cross of Jesus, and a communion service at which the hosts consecrated at the evening Mass of the day before are distributed. The Easter Vigil during the night between Holy Saturday afternoon and Easter Sunday morning starts with the blessing of a fire and a special candle, and with readings from Scripture associated with baptism. Then, the Gloria in Excelsis Deo is sung, water is blessed, baptism and confirmation of adults may take place, the people are invited to renew the promises of their own baptism, and finally, Mass is celebrated in the usual way from the Preparation of the Gifts onwards.

Holy Week and the season of Lent, depending on denomination and local custom, end with Easter Vigil at sundown on Holy Saturday or on the morning of Easter Sunday. It is custom for some churches to hold sunrise services which include open air celebrations in some places.

Media coverage[edit]

In the United Kingdom, BBC’s Radio Four normally broadcasts during Lent a series of programmes called the Lent Talks.^[159] These 15-minute programmes are normally broadcast on a Wednesday and have featured various speakers, such as Christian apologist John Lennox.^[160]

See also[edit]

General[edit]

Christianity[edit]

Islam[edit]

Judaism[edit]

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• Daily Lenten Devotional – Lutheran Hour Ministries
• Methodist Church: Lent and Easter Resources
• Simply Catholic – Your Guide to a Catholic Lent: Everything You Need for a More Spiritual Lent

The word «Lent» didn’t always signify a holy season of prayer and fasting.

Similar to the English word “Easter,” the word “Lent” was originally a secular word with no particular religious associations.

The word is traced etymologically to an Old English word lencten(related to “lengthen,” referring to the lengthening of days) that simply referred to the season of spring. It is also related to a Teutonic word with the same meaning.

The penitential season in the Church always fell during the springtime in Europe and over the centuries the word “Lent” became synonymous with the liturgical period. Additionally, for the Anglo-Saxon people it was an easier word than the official Latin title. In Latin it is called quadragesima, which means the “40 days” (or more literally the “40th day” before Easter). This term identifies the season with the 40-day period of preparation before the celebration of Jesus’s Passion, death and resurrection.

Time of Renewal

Nevertheless, spiritual writers have pointed out how this identification is spiritually beneficial. Lent is generally seen as a time of spiritual renewal, a type of “spiritual spring,” when a soul is renewed in fervor and cleansed of all impurities. Saint John Paul II summarized it well during a General Audience in his pontificate.

Here then is revealed the meaning and necessity of the Lenten season which, by its call to conversion, leads us through prayer, penance and acts of fraternal solidarity to renew or reinvigorate our friendship with Jesus in faith, to free ourselves from the deceptive promises of earthly happiness and once again to savour the harmony of the interior life in authentic love for Christ.

Read more:
Here’s why some Christians observe 70 days of Lent

Asked by: Norberto Abernathy

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The English word Lent is a shortened form of the Old English word lencten, meaning «spring season», as its Dutch language cognate lente (Old Dutch lentin) still does today. … The corresponding word in Latin, quadragesima («fortieth»), is the origin of the terms used in Latin-derived languages and in some others.

What does the suffix Lent mean?

Why is Lent called Lent?

The 40-day period is called Lent after an old English word meaning ‘lengthen’. … It is a time of reflection and of asking for forgiveness, and when Christians prepare to celebrate Jesus’s resurrection at the feast of Easter, which comes at the very end of Lent.

What is the biblical meaning of Lent?

Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.

What are the 3 things we do during Lent?

3 Things To Do During Lent

40 related questions found

Lent Definition

Many Christians have heard of Lent, but do all know what it means? According to Merriam-Webster, Lent means «the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by the Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some Protestant churches as a period of penitence and fasting.»

Between Ash Wednesday and Easter, many Christians observe a 40-day period known as Lent. This name comes from the “Old English lencten springtime, spring” and “from West Germanic langitinaz long-days or lengthening of the day.” Popularly regarded as a fasting period, there are many ways to make the Lenten period meaningful without missing meals. 

So what is Lent, and why should one take part? Does every participant follow a strict Lenten plan of rigid self-denial? Let’s look at some of the most popular questions regarding the Lent season.

When Does Lent Start?

Lent begins each year on Ash Wednesday, 46 days before Easter Sunday. This year Lent will begin on February 22nd, 2023, and if you are following the 40 days tradition, Lent will end on Holy Saturday, April 8th, 2023. Ash Wednesday falls after Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, traditionally a time of confession and indulgence before fasting begins. Read more about the Lent timeframe: When does Lent Start and End in 2023?

Meaning of Lent

Lent is meant to be a time of repentance. That’s not a feeling of shame but an awareness that sin separates us from God and of what it cost Him to be reunited with us. “Shame has its place, but feeling shame over sin is not the same thing as repentance from sin” because “our tempter can take our obedience to God and turn it into a source of pride.” 

Repentant sinners “seek […] cleansing from sin, but also freedom from shame.” True repentance leads” to a “180-degree change of […] direction” and requires “true brokenness,” but repentance starts with “regretful acknowledgment of sin with commitment to change.”  

That is why conflating Lent with New Year’s resolutions is dangerous. This time of fasting should not add religious encouragement to a difficult goal: to lose weight, stop watching pornography, or to give money to charity. “Lent is […] an opportunity to contemplate what our Lord really did for us on the Cross.” 

Resolutions focus on meeting self-set, self-motivated goals rather than goals established by God and may even rebel against His purposes. Resolutions reflect a desire for autonomy from God instead of recognizing that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthian 3:16, 6:19) and the work of the potter, to be regarded as precious (Isaiah 64:8). 

Resolutions simply focus on the “self,” not Christ. Lent is an excellent time to give up one’s own resolutions and listen for God’s leading. Where God’s lead might be more difficult than any fast and Christians realize that they cannot do anything in their own strength either: only the grace of God is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Download your FREE copy of our 40-Day Lent and Easter Devotional  — filled with daily Scriptures, reflections, and prayers for the Lent season. 

The History of Lent

Christians honor the 40 days and nights following Christ’s baptism when He went into the wilderness without water and food and was tempted by Satan. During that time, Christ did what we do today when we fast: wrestle with temptation. This was not the first fast; biblical figures often fasted when petitioning God for something important. “So we fasted and implored our God […], and he listened to our entreaty” (Ezra 8:23). The Israelites “mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and for the nation of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword” (2 Samuel 1:12). 

Before going to her husband to intercede for the Jews, Esther told Mordecai, “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do” (Esther 4:16). Jews and Christians have historically fasted to show repentance, to grieve particularly difficult trials, and to “seek God’s favor.” 

While Protestants also take part, Catholic churches are particularly associated with Lent. No church history indicates the year when believers first took part in the tradition or what was required. Lenten fasting “has consisted of abstaining from all animal products” for some, but “for others, fish and/or poultry were allowed.” Certain societies have permitted “only bread” for a time. There were full-day fasts, half-day fasts, and the potential to pay money to be excused from participating. 

What Does it Mean to Participate in Lent?

In other words, there are numerous ways to approach Lent, some more legalistic than devotional. Still, the origins of Lent seem to be rooted in Christians giving up food or money in order to emulate Christ’s obedience to the Father.

Community fasting provided accountability and support but also led to pressure and judgment. Today, “some still observe fasts that restrict quantity and type of food,” but “many view Lent as a time in which to give up a particular vice, bad habit, or pleasurable thing.” In the 21^st century, Christians frequently use the fasting season to motivate them to continue with New Year’s resolutions in a blend of secular and Christian observance. 

Lent is also associated with Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, where “some Christians mark their foreheads with ash as a symbol of sorrow and mourning over their sin.” 

Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes (Daniel 9:3).

There was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:3).

The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes (Jonah 3:6). 

Job 42 associates ashes with repentance, an association borne out over and over in scripture. 

Christian Traditions of Lent

Prayer — Prayer accompanies fasting as a historic tradition of Lent. We should pray to improve our communion with God and strengthen our spiritual discipline during the preparation of Easter Sunday.

«Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.» ~ Philippians 4:6

«Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.» ~ Matthew 26:41

Fasting — Fasting is a well-known aspect of Lent, inspired by the fast of Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness. Christians partake in fasting to increase their self-control over worldly desires, such as food.

«Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, «If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.» But he answered, «It is written, «‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'» ~ Matthew 4:1-4

Giving — Helping others is also a tradition of the Lent season, inspired by the command of Jesus to «love your neighbor as yourself.» While we should likewise give to others in love throughout the entire year, an extra emphasis is added during the time of Lent.

«Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.» ~ Hebrews 13:16

«Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.» ~ Philippians 2:4

© iStock/Getty Images Plus/everydayplus

What to Give Up for Lent

Lent is a time of inner reflection, self-sacrifice, denial, and repentance. If something has a grip on you, more than likely, it’s become unhealthy. It may or may not be an idol. Lent season is an opportunity to grow closer to God, to remember Jesus’ life and death, and to focus more on him and less on ourselves and our busy schedules. Fasting, or abstaining, for certain activities and items in our lives can help us focus on the life and sacrifice of Jesus. Here are 10 popular ideas for what to give up during the lent season:

1. Social media
2. Sugar
3. Alcohol
4. Online Shopping
5. Clutter
6. Complaining
7. TV
8. Video games
9. Soda
10. Eating out

For more ideas, read 50 Things to Give Up for Lent

Reward of Lent

Greater intimacy with God is the reward of sacrifice. His love and one’s salvation are not reliant on denying oneself chocolate or beer, but idolatry stands in the way of worshiping the one true God. These 40 days are set aside to praise and worship the Lord; to read the Bible more, and to pray more often. Christians who observe Lent correctly anticipate deeper intimacy with the Lord, which is the blessing; they do not expect rewards such as more favorable answers to prayer or the resolution of health concerns, although many Christians have reported that, following Lent, they experience freedom from long-standing issues. 

Many Christians prefer not to observe this pre-Easter tradition because it smacks of religious duty. Christ said of the Pharisees, «They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden” (Matthew 23:4). He often criticized the Pharisees for disheartening the Jews with demands that missed the heart of God. Christ did not establish the tradition of Lent as a commandment for followers to observe. Whether or not to participate is a matter between the individual and God.

What Are Your Motives for Observing Lent? 

“It is important to check one’s motives for observing Lent. Christ told the disciples “when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that others may see their fasting. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward» (Matthew 6:16). A small personal sacrifice should not be “a badge of pride.” The intent of a Lenten observance is to recognize our need for repentance and our depravity apart from God (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 2:1-5; Colossians 2:13), to draw closer to God, and to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter.” 

Is Lent a matter of obedience to tradition or obedience to God? A means of achieving works-based salvation or of giving praise and thanks to Christ that He finished that work for eternity? A way to achieve a resolution or a means of growing closer to the Father? 

Undertaking something difficult (giving to charity, serving the poor, abstaining from certain foods, memorizing Scripture) makes one feel needy and weak; humble: the perfect posture from which to approach God Almighty. For people whose lives are generally easy, Lent is a time to empathize better with those who genuinely go without luxuries or even simple needs. Lent can help establish a stronger sense of one’s need of God minute by minute and to develop a more disciplined, intimate, and authentic prayer life.

How to Practice Lent

1. Name the pressing sin. Christians are taught to begin the 40-day period by confessing sins they would like Christ to remove; to “really examine areas of recurring sin” which are a hurdle to “being conformed to God’s will.” 

2. Partner with other Christians. Historically, entire church congregations would support one another during Lent. Although Christ instructed “when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret,” (Matthew 6:3-4), believers keep each other accountable. “Self-disclosure brings forth humility by making it your responsibility to humbly open your soul to those to whom you are accountable. […] You are a witness to your own life, sharing truthfully, freely, and happily with little or no provocation.” Devoted friends encourage each other to be specific in their prayers and help one another seek Christ’s strength to stay the course.

3. Your “fast” should feel like a sacrifice, not religious duty. Nor should the fast be dangerous to one’s health. Consider giving up one meal a day, a regular treat, coffee, or alcohol. Other sacrifices include increased charitable giving, staying away from social media, service to the community, or memorizing scripture.

4. Time with God is critical. Quiet and solitude enable one to listen to the Spirit and discern answers to prayer. Before the noisy corporate rejoicing of Easter Sunday, create opportunities for peaceful contemplation and intimacy with the Father. No matter how prayers are answered at the end of 40 days-no, yes, or wait-time with the Lord is cause for joy, praise, and thanks.

Lenten Prayer

O Lord and Master of my life!
Take from me the spirit of laziness,
faint-heartedness, desire for power, and idle talk.

But give your servant
the spirit of chastity,
humility, patience, and love.

Yes, Lord and King!
Grant me to see my own errors
and not to unjustly or hastily judge my brother,
for you are blessed, now and forever. Amen.

Source: Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian

Related:
Powerful Bible Verses for Lent to Encourage Our Fast
What is Shrove Tuesday?
What is Ash Wednesday?

© Getty Images

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Candice Lucey is a freelance writer from British Columbia, Canada, where she lives with her family. Find out more about her here.

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- past и p. p. от lend

Словосочетания

lent a fillip of danger to the sport — придало этому виду спорта толику опасности  
money lent abroad — займы другим странам  
lent diet — нескоромная пища; постная пища  
fear lent him wings — страх придал ему крылья  
jack-a-lent — чучело, которое устанавливают в Англии в великий пост и забрасывают камнями и грязью  
jack-o’-lent — чучело, которое устанавливают в Англии в великий пост и забрасывают камнями и грязью  
days of lent — великопостные дни  
government-lent property — имущество, сдаваемое государственными организациями в аренду  
lent lily — жёлтый нарцисс  
lent term — весенний семестр  
mid lent — четвёртое воскресенье великого поста  

Примеры с переводом

Примеры, ожидающие перевода

Возможные однокоренные слова

lentous  — липкий, клейкий
relent  — смягчаться
lentic  — непроточный, живущий в непроточной воде, обитающий в стоячих водоемах

• 1
  lent
  
  

  lent I сущ. Lent церк. великий пост II прош. вр. и прич. прош. вр. от lend
  past и p.p. от lend
  lent past & p. p. от lend Lent: Lent церк. великий пост

  Большой англо-русский и русско-английский словарь > lent

• 2
  lent
  
  

  [lent]

  lent past & p. p. от lend Lent: Lent церк. великий пост

  English-Russian short dictionary > lent

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  lent
  
  

  НБАРС > lent

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  lent
  
  

  НБАРС > lent

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  Lent
  
  

  Большой англо-русский и русско-английский словарь > Lent

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  lent
  
  

  Англо-русский большой универсальный переводческий словарь > lent

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  Lent
  
  

  Англо-русский современный словарь > Lent

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  lent
  
  

  [lent]

  ,

  прич.

  прош. вр. от lend

  Англо-русский современный словарь > lent

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  lent
  
  

  English-Russian combinatory dictionary > lent

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  lent
  
  

  lent давать. великий пост см. также lend

  Персональный Сократ > lent

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  lent
  
  

  предоставил; предоставленный; предоставляться; получить в распоряжение

  English-Russian big medical dictionary > lent

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  lent
  
  

  I

  (Lent)

  noun eccl.

  великий пост

  II

  past

  ,

  past participle

  of lend

  * * *

  (n) великий пост; великопостный триместр; весенний триместр

  * * *

  прош. и прич. прош вр. от lend

  * * *

  [ lent]
  великий пост

  * * *

  I
  сущ.
  Lent
  церк. великий пост
  II
  прош. вр. и прич. прош. вр. от lend

  Новый англо-русский словарь > lent

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  Lent
  
  

  n церк. великий пост

  Синонимический ряд:

  English-Russian base dictionary > Lent

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  Lent
  
  

  Англо-русский синонимический словарь > Lent

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  lent
  
  

  Англо-русский синонимический словарь > lent

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  lent I
  
  

  Большой англо-русский и русско-английский словарь > lent I

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  lent II
  
  

  past, p. p. см. lend

  Большой англо-русский и русско-английский словарь > lent II

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  Lent
  
  

  Универсальный англо-русский словарь > Lent

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  lent
  
  

  Универсальный англо-русский словарь > lent

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  lent
  
  

  English-Russian travelling dictionary > lent

lent

granted the use of something for a period of time: lent a book; allowed the use of money at interest

Not to be confused with:

Lent – the period from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, devoted to fasting and penitence

lint – fabric with a raised nap, used for dressing wounds; fluff; minute shreds of yarn

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Lent

the period from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, devoted to fasting and penitence

Not to be confused with:

lent – granted the use of something for a period of time: lent a book; allowed the use of money at interest

lint – fabric with a raised nap, used for dressing wounds; fluff; minute shreds of yarn

Abused, Confused, & Misused Words by Mary Embree Copyright © 2007, 2013 by Mary Embree

Lent

 (lĕnt)

n.

A 40-day period of fasting and penitence observed by many Christians in preparation for Easter. In Western churches, Lent lasts from Ash Wednesday until Easter, usually excepting Sundays.

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[Middle English lenten, lente, spring, Lent, from Old English lencten; see del- in Indo-European roots.]

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lent

 (lĕnt)

v.

Past tense and past participle of lend.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

lent

(lɛnt)

vb

(Banking & Finance) the past tense and past participle of lend

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Lent

(lɛnt)

n

1. (Ecclesiastical Terms) Christianity the period of forty weekdays lasting from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, observed as a time of penance and fasting commemorating Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness

2. (Ecclesiastical Terms) (modifier) falling within or associated with the season before Easter: Lent observance.

3. (Rowing) (plural) (at Cambridge University) Lent term boat races

[Old English lencten, lengten spring, literally: lengthening (of hours of daylight)]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

lent

(lɛnt)

v.

pt. and pp. of lend.

Lent

(lɛnt)

n.

(in the Christian religion) an annual season of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday and lasting 40 weekdays to Easter.

[before 1000; Middle English lente(n), Old English lencten, lengten spring, Lent, literally, lengthening (of daylight hours)]

-lent

var. of -ulent in loanwords from Latin: pestilent.

Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.

Lent

A period of spiritual discipline, fasting, and penance leading up to Easter.

Dictionary of Unfamiliar Words by Diagram Group Copyright © 2008 by Diagram Visual Information Limited

Translations

Content

• What is Lent:
• Ash Wednesday
• Lent of Saint Michael

What is Lent:

It is known as Lent when 40-day period preceding the main celebration of Christianity: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is celebrated on Easter Sunday.

The word Lent comes from Latin quadragesĭma, which means «fortieth day», referring to the period that covers before Easter.

The beginning of Lent is marked by Ash Wednesday and the end by the eve of Easter or Resurrection Sunday.

Lent it is a period of preparation, purification, reflection and spiritual conversion. At this time, the faithful are called to fast and penance, just as Jesus did in the desert, before his release into public life.

The purpose of Lent is to prepare ourselves spiritually to receive God in our lives, either by having strayed from his path, or by reflecting on the sacrifices that Jesus had to make to free us from sins.

During Lent, ministers of the Catholic Church dress in purple robes to symbolize sadness, pain, penance, mourning, and sacrifice.

On the fourth Sunday the color pink is used, while on Palm Sunday, the last Sunday before the Resurrection, the color red is used, referring to the Passion of the Lord.

Initially, the Christians prepared the Easter feast by observing three days of prayer, meditation and fasting. But around 350 AD. of C., the Church increased the time of preparation to forty days. Thus arose Lent.

Consider the importance of the number 40, associated with Lent, within the Judeo-Christian rites. In the Bible, the flood lasts 40 days, 40 are the years of God’s people in the desert, 40 the days of Moses and Elijah in the mountain, and 40 those of Jesus in the desert, before beginning their ministry.

Lent is celebrated by all of Christendom, by Catholics, Orthodox Catholics, and some branches of Protestantism, such as Anglicans and some Evangelical churches.

On the other hand, the beginning of Lent is preceded by the Carnival festivities.

See also:

• Easter.
• Carnival.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. It is a day to remember the end of one’s own mortality.

Ash Wednesday is characterized by the imposition of ashes on the foreheads of the faithful, while the father pronounces the following words, contemplated in the book of Genesis: “Remember, man, that you are dust and into dust you have to become ”(3:19).

The ash cross on the forehead has powerful symbolism, as it represents the feeling of repentance for the sins committed.

See also Ash Wednesday.

Lent of Saint Michael

St. Michael Lent is a 40-day period that begins on August 15 and runs through September 29.

St. Michael’s Lent was created by St. Francis of Assisi in 1224, and is a period of fasting and prayer inspired by the Archangel Michael.

Saint Francis of Assisi believed that Archangel Michael had the function of saving souls at the last minute and also the ability to withdraw souls from purgatory.