{{short description|Christian observance before Easter}} {{About|the general Christian period of repentance prior to Easter|Lent in Eastern Christianity|Great Lent|other uses}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}} {{Use British English|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox holiday | holiday_name = {{unbulleted list |Lent |{{lang|la|Quadragesima}} }} | type = Christianity | longtype = [[Christianity|Christian]] | image = Altar Dom Greifswald.JPG | caption = High altar, barren, with few adornments, as is custom during Lent | begins = {{blist | On [[Ash Wednesday]] (Western) | On [[Clean Monday]] (Eastern) }} | ends = {{blist | On [[Maundy Thursday]] ([[Latin Church|Latin Catholic]]) | On [[Holy Saturday]] (Lutheran, Moravian, Anglican, and Western Orthodox) | On the Friday before [[Lazarus Saturday]] (Eastern) | On [[Easter]] }} | date = [[#Date and duration|Variable]] (follows the [[Date of Easter|paschal computus]], and depends on denomination) | date{{LASTYEAR}} = {{Unbulleted list | {{Moveable date |holiday=Ash Wednesday |format=infobox |year={{LASTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} – {{Moveable date |holiday=Maundy Thursday |format=infobox |year={{LASTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} or {{Moveable date |holiday=Holy Saturday |format=infobox |year={{LASTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} (Western) | {{Moveable date |holiday=Clean Monday |format=infobox |year={{LASTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} – {{Moveable date |holiday=Lazarus Friday |format=infobox |year={{LASTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} (Eastern)}} | date{{CURRENTYEAR}} = {{Unbulleted list | {{Moveable date |holiday=Ash Wednesday |format=infobox |year={{CURRENTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} – {{Moveable date |holiday=Maundy Thursday |format=infobox |year={{CURRENTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} or {{Moveable date |holiday=Holy Saturday |format=infobox |year={{CURRENTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} (Western) | {{Moveable date |holiday=Clean Monday |format=infobox |year={{CURRENTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} – {{Moveable date |holiday=Lazarus Friday |format=infobox |year={{CURRENTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} (Eastern)}} | date{{NEXTYEAR}} = {{Unbulleted list | {{Moveable date |holiday=Ash Wednesday |format=infobox |year={{NEXTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} – {{Moveable date |holiday=Maundy Thursday |format=infobox |year={{NEXTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} or {{Moveable date |holiday=Holy Saturday |format=infobox |year={{NEXTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} (Western) | {{Moveable date |holiday=Clean Monday |format=infobox |year={{NEXTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} – {{Moveable date |holiday=Lazarus Friday |format=infobox |year={{NEXTYEAR}} |df=dmy}} (Eastern)}} | date{{NEXTYEAR|2}} = {{Unbulleted list | {{Moveable date |holiday=Ash Wednesday |format=infobox |year={{NEXTYEAR|2}} |df=dmy}} – {{Moveable date |holiday=Maundy Thursday |format=infobox |year={{NEXTYEAR|2}} |df=dmy}} or {{Moveable date |holiday=Holy Saturday |format=infobox |year={{NEXTYEAR|2}} |df=dmy}} (Western) | {{Moveable date |holiday=Clean Monday |format=infobox |year={{NEXTYEAR|2}} |df=dmy}} – {{Moveable date |holiday=Lazarus Friday |format=infobox |year={{NEXTYEAR|2}} |df=dmy}} (Eastern)}} | celebrations = {{plainlist| * Omission of [[Gloria in excelsis Deo|Gloria]] and [[Alleluia]] * Veiling of religious images }} | observances = {{blist | [[Fasting]] | [[Christian prayer|Praying]] | [[Almsgiving#Christianity|Alms giving]] | [[Abstinence]] }} | relatedto = [[Shrovetide]], [[The Exodus|Exodus]], [[Temptation of Christ]], [[Eastertide]] | frequency = Annual ([[Paschal full moon|lunar calendar]]) }} {{Liturgical year}}
'''Lent''' ({{langx|la|Quadragesima}},<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Lent |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09152a.htm |access-date=2022-11-02 |website=New Advent}}</ref> 'Fortieth') is the solemn [[Christianity|Christian]] religious [[moveable feast#Lent|observance]] in the [[liturgical year]] in preparation for [[Easter]]. It echoes the 40 days [[Jesus]] spent fasting in the desert and enduring [[Temptation of Christ|temptation by Satan]], according to the Gospels of [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]], [[Gospel of Mark|Mark]] and [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]], before beginning his [[Ministry of Jesus|public ministry]].<ref name="UMC - Lent">{{cite web|url = http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=2870| title = What is Lent and why does it last forty days? |publisher=The United Methodist Church|access-date =24 August 2007}}</ref><ref name="The Anglican Catholic Church">{{cite web|url = http://www.anglicancatholic.org/dmas/litdescp.html|title = The Liturgical Year|publisher = The Anglican Catholic Church|access-date = 24 August 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070824050748/http://www.anglicancatholic.org/dmas/litdescp.html|archive-date = 24 August 2007|url-status = dead}}</ref> Lent is usually observed in the [[Catholic Church|Catholic]], [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]], [[Moravian Church|Moravian]], [[Anglican Communion|Anglican]], [[United and uniting churches|United Protestant]] and [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Orthodox]] Christian traditions, among others.<ref name="Moravian2021">{{cite web |title=Bringing Together Worship Resources for Lent and Easter|url=https://www.moravian.org/2022/03/bringing-together-worship-resources-for-lent/ |publisher=[[Moravian Church]] |access-date=15 February 2024 |language=English |date=24 March 2021}}</ref><ref name="Denominations 1">{{Cite book|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=oTtcFiGbW2kC&q=lent+lutheran+catholic+methodist&pg=PA98| title = Comparative Religion For Dummies|publisher=[[For Dummies]]|quote=This is the day Lent begins. Christians go to church to pray and have a cross drawn in yellow in ashes on their foreheads. The ashes drawn on ancient tradition represent repentance before God. The holiday is part of Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and Episcopalian [Anglican] liturgies, among others.|access-date =8 March 2011| isbn = 978-1118052273 |year= 2011}}</ref><ref name="EWTN"/><ref name="Thomas2024">{{cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=Benny |title=Letter |url=https://www.csichurchhouston.org/2024/02/14/letter-rev-benny-thomas/ |publisher=[[Church of South India|Church of South India (United Protestant)]] |access-date=15 February 2024 |language=English |date=14 February 2024 |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215232428/https://www.csichurchhouston.org/2024/02/14/letter-rev-benny-thomas/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> A number of [[Anabaptism|Anabaptist]], [[Baptists|Baptist]], [[Methodism|Methodist]], [[Calvinism|Reformed]] (including certain [[Continental Reformed Protestantism|Continental Reformed]], [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]] and [[Congregational church|Congregationalist]] churches), and [[Nondenominational Christianity|nondenominational Christian]] churches also observe Lent, although many churches in these traditions do not.<ref name="Methodist2020">{{cite web |title=The Significance of Lent |url=https://www.methodist.org.sg/the-significance-of-lent/ |publisher=[[Methodist Church in Singapore]] |access-date=14 February 2024 |language=English |date=22 January 2020 |quote=Over the last 25 years, more and more Methodist local conferences have been observing Lent, the 46 days before Easter.}}</ref><ref name="Mennonite">{{Cite book|url=http://www.thirdway.com/menno/glossary.asp?ID=121|title=Mennonite Stew – A Glossary: Lent|publisher=Third Way Café|quote=Traditionally, Lent was not observed by the Mennonite church, and only recently have more modern Mennonite churches started to focus on the six-week season preceding Easter.|access-date=24 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219030037/http://www.thirdway.com/menno/glossary.asp?ID=121|archive-date=19 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Brumley|first=Jeff|title=Lent not just for Catholics, but also for many denominations, Baptists and other evangelicals|url=http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-03-12/story/lent-not-just-catholics-also-some-baptists-and-other-evangelicals|publisher=The Florida Times Union|access-date=3 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Benedict |first=Philip|title=Christ's Churches Purely Reformed: A Social History of Calvinism|date=2014|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=978-0300105070|page=506}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Question & Answer: Should we Observe Lent?|publisher=Orthodox Presbyterian Church|quote=Those inheriting a Reformed theology (which would include the OPC) have adopted the stance that the church is only to practice in worship what the Bible actually establishes, often called the 'regulative principle of worship.' Many in the Reformed tradition would exclude the practice of Lent on this basis—it lacks scriptural warrant.|url=https://www.opc.org/qa.html?question_id=365|access-date=10 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Moore|first=Scott|editor-last1=Ward|editor-first1=Roger|editor-last2=Gushee|editor-first2=David|chapter=The Predicament and the Promise for Young Baptist Scholars|title=The Scholarly Vocation and the Baptist Academy: Essays on the Future of Baptist Higher Education |quote=In most Baptist churches, Lent is non-existent, and Advent is merely the 'pre-Christmas' wind-up.|date=2008|publisher=Mercer University Press, Inc.|page=143}}</ref>
Which days are enumerated as being part of Lent differs between [[Christian denomination]]s (see [[#Date and duration|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.<ref name="Hynes1993"/><ref name="Johnson2017"/><ref>{{cite book |author=[[George Leo Haydock]] |title=The New Testament |date=2015 |publisher=Aeterna Press |language=en |quote=To fast 40 days without being hungry, was certainly far above the strength of man, but to be hungry at any time is inconsistent with God; for which reason our blessed Saviour, that he might not manifestly declare his divinity, was afterwards hungry. S. Hil. -- On this example, as well as that of Moses and Elias, who also fasted 40 days, the fast of Lent was instituted by the apostles, and is of necessity to be observed according to the general consent of the ancient Fathers. S. Jerom (ep. liv. ad Marcel.) says, we fast 40 days, or make one Lent in a year, according to the tradition of the apostles.}}</ref> In Lent-observing [[Western Christianity|Western Christian]] denominations, 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]] (Holy Thursday),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.catholic.com/qa/when-does-lent-really-end|title=When does Lent really end?|website=www.catholic.com|language=en|access-date=6 July 2018}}</ref> or at sundown on [[Holy Saturday]] when the [[Easter Vigil]] is celebrated,<ref name="Langford 96"/> though in either case, Lenten fasting observances are maintained until the evening of Holy Saturday.<ref name="EWTN2">{{cite web |last1=Akin |first1=Jimmy |title=All About Lent |url=https://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/LENT.HTM |website=[[EWTN]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041021053142/https://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/LENT.HTM |archive-date=October 21, 2004 |date=1996 |quote=Lent is the forty day period before Easter, excluding Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter Sunday). [This traditional ennumeration does not precisely coincide with the calendar according to the liturgical reform. In order to give special prominence to the Sacred Triduum (Mass of the Lord's Supper, Good Friday, Easter Vigil) the current calendar counts Lent as only from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday, up to the Mass of the Lord's Supper. Even so, Lenten practices are properly maintained up to the Easter Vigil, excluding Sundays, as before.]}}</ref> Being the [[Lord's Day]], the Sundays of Lent are not regarded as days of fasting, though historically, abstinence from meat was enjoined on the Sundays of Lent (as with the other days of the Lenten season).<ref name="WJW"/> In [[Eastern Christianity]] – including [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox]], [[Eastern Catholic Churches|Eastern Catholic]]s, [[Eastern Lutheranism|Eastern Lutherans]], and [[Oriental Orthodox Churches|Oriental Orthodox]] – [[Great Lent]] is observed continuously without interruption for 40 days starting on [[Clean Monday]] and ending on [[Lazarus Saturday]] before [[Holy Week]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bohm.narod.ru/books/phenomen_luth/statyafenomen.html|title=Проповіді|last=Bohmat|first=Pavlo|year=2001|publisher=[[Ukrainian Lutheran Church]]|language=uk|access-date=19 September 2018|quote={{lang|uk|Як відомо, німецьке лютеранство згідно з церковною традицією залишило у вжитку чимало католицьких елементів, особливо в літургії. "Створена Лютером форма богослужіння, власне кажучи, є німецьким перекладом латинської меси" (Ф. Гейгер). В усьому світі лютерани, як і німці в Україні, відтворюють західний обряд. Натомість українці-лютерани від самого початку звернулись до православного обряду та юліанського календаря. Чому? Перше, що спадає на думку, -греко-католицьке походження засновників церкви. І це справді є однією з причин, що зумовила її оригінальне обличчя.}}}}</ref><ref name="EWTN"/>
Lent is a period of [[repentance (Christianity)|repentance]], which ends at the arrival of Easter. The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer for Easter through [[Christian prayer|prayer]], [[Religious fasting#Christianity|fasting]], and [[Alms#Christianity|alms]]giving (the three pillars of Lent),<ref name="DLC2021">{{cite web |title=Lenten Micro-Practices |url=https://udlc.org/lenten-micropractices|publisher=Upper Dublin Lutheran Church |access-date=17 February 2021 |language=English |quote=Traditionally, there are three pillars of Lent: praying, fasting, and almsgiving, which come to us from Matthew 6:1-18. }}</ref><ref name="Cumming2025">{{cite web |last1=Cumming |first1=Ryan P. |title=Holy Week: Feasting, Fasting and Living in Tension |url=https://blogs.elca.org/blog/tag/lament/ |publisher=[[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] |access-date=1 March 2025 |language=English |year=2025}}</ref><ref name="Dougherty2016">{{cite web |last1=Dougherty |first1=Laura |title=The Lenten Pillars |url=https://www.saintpats.org/parish/the-lenten-pillars/ |publisher=Saint Patrick Catholic Church |access-date=18 February 2026 |date=27 February 2016 |quote=The three traditional pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through the three pillars of Lent we journey to develop a closer relationship to God. The 40 days of Lent should be filled with reflection, service and prayer.}}</ref> as well as [[mortification of the flesh|mortifying the flesh]], [[Repentance in Christianity|repentance]] of sins, [[simple living]], and [[asceticism|self-denial]].<ref name="Jumper2020">{{cite web |last1=Jumper |first1=Dana |title=Lent: A call to simplicity |url=https://www.pontiacdailyleader.com/lifestyle/20200131/lent-call-to-simplicity |publisher=[[Pontiac Daily Leader]] |access-date=17 February 2021 |language=English |date=31 January 2020 |archive-date=10 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510015456/https://www.pontiacdailyleader.com/lifestyle/20200131/lent-call-to-simplicity |url-status=dead }}</ref> In Lent, many Christians commit to fasting, as well as giving up certain luxuries in [[imitation of Christ]]'s sacrifice during his [[Life of Jesus#Baptism and temptation|journey into the desert]] for 40 days;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thebrownandwhite.com/2017/03/05/lehigh-students-observe-lent/|title=Students observe Lent on campus – The Brown and White|last=Burnett|first=Margaret|date=5 March 2017|publisher=The Brown and White|language=en|access-date=14 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="EB1911"/><ref name="GassmannOldenburg2011"/> this is known as one's [[Lenten sacrifice]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hines-Brigger |first1=Susan |title=Lent: More Than Just Giving Up Something |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/lent-more-than-just-giving-up-something/ |publisher=Franciscan Media |access-date=17 March 2019 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331090237/https://www.franciscanmedia.org/lent-more-than-just-giving-up-something/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Prior to the 6th century, Lent was normatively observed through the practice of the [[Black Fast]], which enjoins fasting from food and liquids, with the allowance of one [[Christian vegetarianism|vegetarian]] meal after sunset.<ref name="Butler">{{cite book |last1=Butler |first1=Alban |title=The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church |date=1839 |publisher=James Duffy |location=[[Dublin]] |pages=144–146 |language=en|quote=The primitive Christians in Lent broke their fast only after sunset, and then usually only with herbs, roots, and bread. At least all were obliged to abstain not only from flesh meat, but also from fish, and whatever had life; also whatever is derived from flesh, as eggs, milk, cheese, butter, according to the ancient canon. Likewise from wine, which in the primitive ages was no less forbidden on all fasting days than the use of flesh meat itself ... Some mitigations were introduced in part of abstinence in the sixth century ... Fish was in the same age allowed, but not of the dearer and more dainty kinds.}}</ref><ref name="Kiernan">{{cite book |last1=Butler |first1=Alban |title=The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church |date=1774 |publisher=C. Kiernan |page=257 |language=en |quote=It is undoubted, that anciently to drink on fasting days was no less forbid than to eat, only in the refection after sunset.}}</ref><ref name="Cléir2017"/> This form of fasting continues in certain denominations, such as the [[Coptic Orthodox Church]].<ref name="Samaan2024">{{cite web |last1=Samaan |first1=Moses |title=The Meaning of the Great Lent |url=https://www.lacopts.org/story/the-meaning-of-the-great-lent/ |publisher=[[Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California, and Hawaii]] |access-date=10 March 2024 |date=9 April 2009 |quote=The Church teaches us to fast until sunset. Fish is not allowed during this period. Also married couples should refrain from physical relations to give themselves time for fasting and prayer (1 Cor. 7: 5). We would like to emphasize the importance of the period of strict abstention during fasting. It is refraining from eating and drinking for a period of time, followed by eating vegetarian food.}}</ref> 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 in Christianity|God]].<ref name=Crumm/><ref name="AmbroseCraig-Wild2007">{{cite book|first1=Gill|last1=Ambrose|first2=Peter|last2=Craig-Wild|first3=Diane|last3=Craven|first4=Peter|last4=Moger|title=Together for a Season|year=2007|publisher=Church House Publishing|language=en|isbn=978-0715140635|page=34}}</ref> Among Christians of the Roman Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran and Anglican denominations, the [[Stations of the Cross]] are a devotion observed during Lent, especially on Fridays, in remembrance of the [[Via Dolorosa]] of Jesus.<ref name="Sheridan2014">{{cite web |title=The History of the Stations of the Cross |url=https://sheridanlutheran.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Stations-of-the-Cross-brochure.pdf |access-date=18 February 2026 |date=2014}}</ref>
In most Lent-observing denominations, the last week of Lent is known as [[Holy Week]], which begins 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, the start of the [[Eastertide|Easter season]], which recalls the [[Resurrection of Jesus]]. In some Christian denominations, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday form the [[Paschal Triduum|Easter Triduum]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.catholicliturgy.com/index.cfm/FuseAction/documentText/Index/2/SubIndex/38/ContentIndex/101/Start/97 |title=General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, 19 |publisher=Catholicliturgy.com |access-date=27 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411120450/http://www.catholicliturgy.com/index.cfm/FuseAction/documentText/Index/2/SubIndex/38/ContentIndex/101/Start/97 |archive-date=11 April 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The viewing of and participation in [[Passion Play]]s occurs during Lent, especially during Holy Week, which are often [[ecumenism|interdenominational]] productions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Passion for the Passion |work=Catholic Digest |url=https://www.catholicdigest.com/travel/200903-31passion-for-the-passion/ |language=en |date=31 March 2009}}</ref>
== Etymology == [[File:Palmsöndagsmässa i Hedvig Eleonora kyrka.jpg|right|thumb|516x516px|An [[Lutheranism|Evangelical-Lutheran]] Mass at [[Hedvig Eleonora Church]] on the sixth Sunday of Lent. Purple is the [[liturgical colour]] of the Lenten season.]] [[File:Holy Week procession in Granada, Nicaragua.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Lent observers, including a [[confraternity of penitents]], carrying out a street procession during [[Holy Week]], in [[Granada, Nicaragua]]. The violet colour is often associated with penance and [[Detachment (philosophy)|detachment]]. Similar Christian penitential practice is seen in other [[Christian countries]], sometimes associated with fasting.<ref name="Knowlton2004">{{cite book|last=Knowlton|first=MaryLee|title=Macedonia|year=2004|publisher=Marshall Cavendish|language=en|isbn=978-0761418542|page=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780761418542/page/125 125]|quote=Traditionally, as in many Christian countries, the carnival marked the beginning of Lent, which ushered in a six-week period of fasting for Christians.|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780761418542/page/125}}</ref>]] The English word ''Lent'' is a shortened form of the [[Old English]] word {{lang|ang|lencten}}, meaning "[[Spring (season)|spring season]]", as its [[Dutch language]] cognate {{wikt-lang|nl|lente}} ([[Old Dutch]] {{lang|odt|lentin}})<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.etymologiebank.nl/trefwoord/lente1 |title=lente (voorjaar) |website=etymologiebank.nl |access-date=28 January 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204125151/http://www.etymologiebank.nl/trefwoord/lente1 |archive-date=4 February 2016 }}</ref> still does today. A dated term in [[German language|German]], {{lang|de|Lenz}} ([[Old High German]] {{lang|goh|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".<ref name="EB1911">{{cite EB1911 |wstitle=Lent |volume=16|page=427}}</ref>
In languages spoken where Christianity was earlier established, such as [[Greek language|Greek]] and [[Latin]], the term signifies the period dating from the 40th weekday before Easter. In modern Greek the term is {{lang|el|Σαρακοστή}} ({{transliteration|el|Sarakostí}}), derived from the earlier {{lang|el|Τεσσαρακοστή}} ({{transliteration|el|Tessarakostí}}), meaning "fortieth". The corresponding word in [[Latin]], {{lang|la|quadragesima}} ("fortieth"), is the origin of the terms used in Latin-derived languages and in some others.
Examples in the [[Romance languages|Romance language]] group are: [[Catalan language|Catalan]] {{lang|ca|quaresma}}, [[French language|French]] {{lang|fr|carême}}, [[Galician language|Galician]] {{lang | gl | coresma}}, [[Italian language|Italian]] {{lang|it|quaresima}}, [[Occitan language|Occitan]] {{lang|oc|quaresma}}, [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] {{lang|pt|quaresma}}, [[Romanian language|Romanian]] {{lang|ro|păresimi}}, [[Sardinian language|Sardinian]] {{lang|sc|caresima}}, [[Spanish language|Spanish]] {{lang|es|cuaresma}}, and [[Walloon language|Walloon]] {{lang|wa|cwareme}}.<ref name=":0" /> Examples in non-Latin-based languages are: [[Albanian language|Albanian]] {{lang|sq|kreshma}}, [[Basque language|Basque]] {{lang|eu|garizuma}}, [[Croatian language|Croatian]] {{lang|hr|korizma}}, [[Irish language|Irish]] and [[Scottish Gaelic]] {{lang|ga|carghas}}, [[Swahili language|Swahili]] {{lang|sw|kwaresima}}, [[Filipino language|Filipino]] {{lang|tl|kuwaresma}}, and [[Welsh language|Welsh]] {{lang|cy|c(a)rawys}}.{{citation needed|date=November 2022|reason=The non-Latin-based ones are uncited}}
In other languages, the name used refers to the activity associated with the season. Thus it is called "fasting period" in [[Czech language|Czech]] ({{lang|cs|postní doba}}), [[German language|German]] ({{lang|de|Fastenzeit}}), and [[Norwegian language|Norwegian]] ({{lang|no|fasten}}/{{lang|no|fastetid}}), and it is called "The Great Fast" in [[Arabic language|Arabic]] ({{lang|ar|الصوم الكبير}} – {{transliteration|ar|al-ṣawm al-kabīr}}), [[Syriac language|Syriac]] ({{lang|syr|ܨܘܡܐ ܪܒܐ}} {{transliteration|syr|ṣawmā rabbā}}), [[Polish language|Polish]] ({{lang|pl|wielki post}}), [[Russian language|Russian]] ({{lang|ru|великий пост}} – {{transliteration|ru|vieliki post}}), [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]] ({{lang|uk|великий піст}} – {{transliteration|uk|velyky pist}}), and [[Hungarian language|Hungarian]] ({{lang|hu|nagyböjt}}). [[Romanian language|Romanian]], apart from a version based on the Latin term referring to the 40 days (see above), also has a "great fast" version: {{lang|ro|postul mare}}. [[Dutch language|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: {{lang|nl|vastentijd}}, {{lang|nl|veertigdagentijd}} and {{lang|nl|quadragesima}}, respectively.<ref name=":0" /> In India, it is called चरम चालीसा (''Charam Chalisa'' - meaning, "climax forty"). In [[Maltese language|Maltese]], despite being a descendant of Arabic, the term ''Randan'' is used, which is distinctive when compared to the dialects of Arabic. Despite the centuries of [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] influences, the term remains unchanged since the [[Aghlabids|Arab occupation of Malta]].
== Origin == The pattern of fasting and praying for 40 days is seen in the [[Christian Bible]], on which basis the liturgical season of Lent was established.<ref name="Hynes1993">{{cite book |last1=Hynes |first1=Mary Ellen |title=Companion to the Calendar: A Guide to the Saints and Mysteries of the Christian Calendar |date=1993 |publisher=Liturgy Training Publications |isbn=978-1-56854-011-5 |page=12 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Conte2001"/> In the [[Old Testament]], the prophet [[Moses]] went into the mountains for 40 days and 40 nights to pray and fast "without eating bread or drinking water" before receiving the [[Ten Commandments]] (cf. {{Bibleverse|Exodus|34:28|NRSV}}).<ref name="Conte2001">{{cite book |last1=Conte |first1=Jeanne |title=Lenten Reflections |date=2001 |publisher=Nova Publishers |isbn=978-1-56072-737-8 |pages=4–5 |language=en}}</ref> Likewise, the prophet [[Elijah]] went into the mountains for 40 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. {{Bibleverse|1 Kings|19:8-9|NRSV}}).<ref name="Conte2001"/> The early Christian bishop [[Maximus of Turin]] wrote that as Elijah by "fasting continuously 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."<ref name="Johnson2017">{{cite book |last1=Johnson |first1=Lawrence J. |title=Worship in the Early Church: Volume 3: An Anthology of Historical Sources |date=14 July 2017 |publisher=Liturgical Press |isbn=978-0-8146-6328-8 |language=en}}</ref> In the [[New Testament]], [[Jesus]] went into the desert to fast and pray for 40 days and 40 nights; it was during this time that [[Satan]] tried to [[Temptation of Christ|tempt him]] (cf. {{Bibleverse|Matthew|4:1-3|NRSV}}).<ref name="Conte2001"/> The 40-day and night fasts of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus prepared them for their work.<ref name="Hynes1993"/>
[[Early Christianity]] records the tradition of fasting before Easter.<ref name="Kellner1908"/> For the meal of the day consumed after sunset (when the fast is broken), the [[Apostolic Constitutions]] permit the consumption of "bread, vegetables, salt and water, in Lent" with "flesh and wine being forbidden."<ref name="Kellner1908"/> The [[Canons of Hippolytus]] authorize only bread and salt to be consumed during [[Holy Week]].<ref name="Kellner1908"/> The practice of fasting and abstaining from alcohol, meat and [[lacticinia]] during Lent thus became established in the Church.<ref name="Kellner1908"/>
In AD 339, [[Athanasius of Alexandria]] wrote that the Lenten fast was a 40-day fast that "the entire world" observed.<ref name="Nampon1869">{{cite book |last1=Nampon |first1=Adrien |title=Catholic Doctrine as Defined by the Council of Trent: Expounded in a Series of Conferences Delivered in Geneva Proposed as a Means of Reuniting All Christians |date=1869 |publisher=P. F. Cunningham |page=688 |language=English}}</ref> [[Saint Augustine of Hippo]] (AD 354–AD 430) wrote that: "Our fast at any other time is voluntary; but during Lent, we [[Christian views on sin|sin]] if we do not fast."<ref name="Keenan1899">{{cite book |last1=Keenan |first1=Stephen |title=A Doctrinal Catechism: Wherein Divers Points of Catholic Faith and Practice Assailed by Modern Heretics, are Sustained by an Appeal to the Holy Scriptures, the Testimony of the Ancient Fathers, and the Dictates of Reason, on the Basis of Scheffmacher's Catechism. by the Rev. Stephen Kennan |date=1899 |publisher=P.J. Kenedy |pages=178–179 |language=English}}</ref> Church Father [[John Chrysostom]] (A.D. 347–407) stated that the early Christians did not consume meat for the whole duration of Lent.<ref name="Kellner1908"/> Three main prevailing theories exist on the finalization of Lent as a 40-day fast prior to the arrival of Easter Sunday: First, that it was created at the [[First Council of Nicaea|Council of Nicea]] in 325 and there is no earlier incarnation. Second, that it is based on an [[Christianity in Egypt|Egyptian Christian]] post-[[theophany]] fast. Third, a combination of origins [[syncretism|syncretized]] around the Council of Nicea.<ref name="Russo2013">{{cite web |last1=Russo |first1=Nicholas V. |title=The Early History of Lent |url=https://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/193181.pdf |publisher=The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University |date=2013 |access-date=17 February 2021 |archive-date=3 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303025510/https://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/193181.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{CathEncy |wstitle= Didache| author=John Chapman}}</ref>
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 [[Christianity in the ante-Nicene period|ante-Nicene period]] who indicate this preference, and even he says that Easter was by no means the only favoured day for baptisms in his locale.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |last1=Bradshaw |first1=Paul F. |title=Diem baptismo sollemniorem: Initiation and Easter in Christian Antiquity |encyclopedia=ΕΥΛΟΓΗΜΑ. Studies in honor of Robert Taft, S J. |editor1-last=Carr |editor1-first=E. |editor2-last=Parenti |editor2-first=S. |editor3-last=Thiermeyer |editor3-first=A.A. |editor4-last=Velkovska |editor4-first=E. |series=Analecta Liturgica, 17 |location=Rome |publisher=Studia Anselmiana |year=1993}}</ref>
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]).<ref name="Russo2013"/> However it is known that the 40-day period of fasting – the season later named Lent – before [[Eastertide]] was clarified at the Nicene Council.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Gassmann|first1=Günther|last2=Oldenburg|first2=Mark W.|title=Historical Dictionary of Lutheranism|date=10 October 2011|publisher=Scarecrow Press|language=en|isbn=9780810874824|page=229|quote=The Council of Nicea (325) for the first time mentioned Lent as a period of 40 days of fasting in preparation for Easter.}}</ref> In 363-64 AD, the [[Council of Laodicea]] prescribed the Lenten fast as "of strict necessity".<ref name="Nampon1869"/>
==Date and duration== [[file:Lent_calendar.svg|thumb|Some named days and day ranges around Lent and Easter in Western Christianity, with the fasting days of Lent numbered]] The 40 days of Lent are calculated differently among the various [[Christian denomination]]s 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 calendar|revised]]) [[Julian calendar|Julian]] or [[Gregorian calendar]]s typically used by Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and [[Protestant]] churches, or the [[Ethiopian calendar|Ethiopian]] and [[Coptic calendar]]s traditionally used by some Oriental Orthodox churches.
===Roman Catholic Church === Since 1970, in the [[Roman Rite]] Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on the evening of [[Maundy Thursday|Holy Thursday]] with the [[Mass of the Lord's Supper]]. This comprises a period of 44 days. Historically, both the fasting and abstinence were required during the weekdays of Lent and with Sundays solely being days of abstinence;<ref name="WJW"/> the obligations of the Lenten fast continue through Good Friday and Holy Saturday, totaling 40 days (with the [[Eucharistic Fast]] applying as well).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Philippart |first1=David |title=If Lent is 40 days, why are there 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter? |url=http://www.uscatholic.org/node/425 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228022920/http://www.uscatholic.org/node/425 |archive-date=28 February 2020 |website=[[Claretians#Publications|U.S. Catholic]] |date=27 June 2013 |publisher=The Claretians |access-date=March 3, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.catholic.org/lent/faq.php|title=FAQs About Lent - Easter / Lent|first=Catholic|last=Online|website=Catholic Online}}</ref> 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.<ref name="EWTN2"/><ref name="vatican.va">{{cite web|url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html|title=Sacrosanctum concilium|access-date=17 April 2017}}</ref>
In the [[Ambrosian Rite]], Lent begins on the Sunday that follows what is celebrated as Ash Wednesday in the rest of the [[Latin Church|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 [[vestment]]s with chanting of the [[Gloria in Excelsis]] and [[Alleluia (chant)|Alleluia]], in line with the recommendation in Matthew 6:16, "When you fast, do not look gloomy."<ref name=Thouret>{{cite web |url=http://www.adorazioneeucaristica.it/S.%20Ambrogio/Quaresima%20rito%20Ambrosiano.pdf |publisher=Parrocchia S. Giovanna Antida Thouret |language=it |access-date=9 June 2014 |title=Il Tempo di Quaresima nel rito Ambrosiano |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714212552/http://www.adorazioneeucaristica.it/S.%20Ambrogio/Quaresima%20rito%20Ambrosiano.pdf |archive-date=14 July 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="RC-en-lent-duration">{{cite CE1913 |last=Herbert |first=Thurston |wstitle=Lent |volume=9}} See paragraph: Duration of the Fast</ref><ref name=Initii>The "Secret of the Mass" in the First Sunday of Lent – "''Sacrificium Quadragesimalis Initii''", Missale Romanum Ambrosianus</ref>
During Lent, the Church discourages marriages, but couples may marry if they forgo the special blessings of the Nuptial Mass and limit social celebrations.<ref>Stuber, Stanley I. (1960). New Revised edition. ''Primer on Roman Catholicism for Protestants: an Appraisal of the Basic Differences between the Roman Catholic Church and Protestantism.'' New York: Association Press. p. 57.</ref>
In the Catholic Church, the [[Second Vatican Council]] directed that twofold character of Lent was to be "brought into greater prominence both in the [[Catholic liturgy|liturgy]] and by liturgical [[catechesis]]": Lent is a season for "recalling or preparing for baptism" and for penance, which "disposes the faithful, who more diligently hear the word of God and devote themselves to prayer, to celebrate the paschal mystery".<ref>Second Vatican Council, [https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html ''Sacrosanctum Concilium''], paragraph 109, published on 4 December 1963, accessed on 25 July 2025</ref>
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=== [[File:High Altar of Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church during Lent.jpg|thumb|upright=1|In Western traditions, the [[liturgical colour]] of the season of Lent is violet. Altar crosses and religious statuary which show Christ in his glory are traditionally veiled during this period in the Christian year.]] In Protestant and Western Orthodox Churches that celebrate it, the season of Lent lasts from [[Ash Wednesday]] to the evening of [[Holy Saturday]].<ref name="EWTN">{{cite web|last=Akin|first=James|title=All About Lent|url=http://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/LENT.HTM|publisher=EWTN|access-date=3 March 2014|archive-date=29 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329062132/http://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/LENT.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Luther League of America">{{cite book|title=The Roman and the Lutheran Observance of Lent|year=1920|publisher=Luther League of America|page=5}}</ref> This calculation makes Lent last 46 days if the 6 Sundays are included, but only 40 days if they are excluded.<ref>{{cite book|title=What is Lent and why does it last forty days?|url=http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/what-is-lent-and-why-does-it-last-forty-days|access-date=20 April 2014|publisher=The United Methodist Church |quote=Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Sundays in Lent are not counted in the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter" and the reverent spirit of Lent is tempered with joyful anticipation of the Resurrection.}}</ref> This definition is still that of the [[Moravian Church]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Moravian Passion Week |url=https://www.newhopemoravian.org/holy-days.html |publisher=New Hope Moravian Church |access-date=8 March 2021 |language=English |quote=Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with the conclusion of the Great Sabbath (Holy Saturday to Easter Eve) - a span of forty days on the church calendar, excluding Sundays. |archive-date=12 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512140401/https://newhopemoravian.org/holy-days.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Lutheran World Federation|Lutheran Church]],<ref name="Northwestern Publishing House">{{cite book|title=The Northwestern Lutheran, Volumes 60–61|year=1973|publisher=Northwestern Publishing House|page=66}}</ref> [[Anglican Communion|Anglican Church]],<ref name="Kitch 130">{{cite book|last=Kitch|first=Anne E.|title=The Anglican Family Prayer Book|year=2003|publisher=Church Publishing, Inc.|page=130}}</ref> [[World Methodist Council|Methodist Church]],<ref name="Langford 96">{{cite book|last=Langford|first=Andy|title=Blueprints for worship: a user's guide for United Methodist congregations|url=https://archive.org/details/blueprintsforwor0000lang|url-access=registration|date=4 January 1993|publisher=Abingdon Press|page=[https://archive.org/details/blueprintsforwor0000lang/page/96 96]|isbn=9780687033126}}</ref> [[Western-Rite Orthodox Churches|Western Rite Orthodox Church]],<ref name="Fenton">{{cite web|last=Fenton|first=John|title=The Holy Season of Lent in the Western Tradition|url=http://www.antiochian.org/node/25432|publisher=Western Rite of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America|access-date=3 March 2014}}</ref> [[United Protestant Church]]es,<ref>{{cite web |title=First Sunday in Lent |url=https://united-church.ca/worship-liturgical-season/first-sunday-lent |publisher=[[United Church of Canada]] |access-date=8 March 2021 |language=English |date=21 February 2021}}</ref> and those of the [[Reformed Church]]es (i.e., [[Continental Reformed]], [[Presbyterian]], and [[Congregationalist]]) that observe Lent.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Meaning of Lent |url=https://covenantchicago.org/lent/ |publisher=Covenant Presbyterian Church of Chicago |access-date=8 March 2021 |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lent and Easter |url=https://pilgrimcongregational.org/lent-and-easter/ |publisher=Pilgrim Congregational Church |access-date=11 April 2022 |language=English}}</ref> (In the Episcopal Church, the main U.S. branch of the Anglican Communion, the 1979 Book of Common Prayer identifies Holy Week—comprising Palm/Passion Sunday through Holy Saturday—as a separate season after Lent;<ref>{{Cite book |last=The Episcopal Church |title=The Book of Common Prayer |publisher=The Church Hymnal Corporation |year=1979 |location=New York |pages=31–32}}</ref> but the Days of Special Devotion, to be observed by special acts of discipline and self-denial, include the weekdays of, but not the Sundays in, both Lent and Holy Week,<ref>{{Cite book |last=The Episcopal Church |title=The Book of Common Prayer |publisher=The Church Hymnal Corporation |year=1979 |pages=17}}</ref> so the practical effect is the same as the traditional 40-day calculation.)
===Eastern Orthodoxy and Byzantine Rite=== {{main|Great Lent}} In the [[Byzantine Rite]], i.e., the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.antiochian.org/fasting-great-lent|title=Fasting and Great Lent – Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese|website=Antiochian.org|access-date=21 November 2017}}</ref> In Eastern Orthodox circles, the season of Lent is known as "bright sadness" ({{langx|el|χαρμολύπη|charmolypê}}).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Breck |first1=Fr John |title=Bright Sadness |url=https://www.oca.org/reflections/fr.-john-breck/bright-sadness |website=www.oca.org|date=May 2005 }}</ref>
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 spending and focus on charity and good works.
Some other churches that follow the [[Byzantine Rite]], including certain [[Eastern Catholic]] and [[Eastern Lutheran]] denominations have similar practices as those of Eastern Orthodoxy.
=== Oriental Orthodoxy === {{more citations needed section|date=February 2024}} {{further|Fasting and abstinence of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria{{!}}Fasting in the Coptic Orthodox Church}} Among the [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox]], there are various local traditions regarding Lent. Those using the [[Alexandrian Rite]], ''i.e.'', the [[Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria|Coptic Orthodox]], [[Coptic Catholic Church|Coptic Catholic]], [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox]], [[Ethiopian Catholic Church|Ethiopian Catholic]], [[Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Eritrean Orthodox]], and [[Eritrean Catholic Church|Eritrean Catholic]] Churches, observe eight continuous weeks of fasting constituting three distinct consecutive fasting periods: # a [[Pre-Lent]]en fast in preparation for Great Lent # Great Lent itself # the Paschal fast during [[Holy Week]] which immediately follows Lent
As in the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the [[Computus|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 === {{further|Fasting and abstinence in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church{{!}}Fasting in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church}} 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 Empire|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]].<ref name="dw2017-03-22">{{Cite news | author=James Jeffrey | title=Ethiopia: fasting for 55 days | url=http://www.dw.com/en/ethiopia-fasting-for-55-days/g-38067533 | publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]] | date=22 March 2017 | access-date=24 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="nenewe">{{Cite web|title=Tsome Nenewe (The Fast of Nineveh) |url=http://www.debreselam.net/index/?p=789 |publisher=Debre Selam Medhanealem Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church |location=[[Minneapolis]] |date=28 January 2015 |access-date=30 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405110705/http://www.debreselam.net/index?p=789 |archive-date= 5 April 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="arega">{{Cite web | author=Robel Arega | title=Fasting in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church | at=Why Fifty-Five Days? | publisher=Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Sunday School Department – Mahibere Kidusan | url=http://eotcmk.org/site-en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=56&Itemid=1 | access-date=30 March 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331025244/http://eotcmk.org/site-en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=56&Itemid=1 | archive-date=31 March 2017 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Fasting involves abstention from animal products (meat, dairy, and eggs), and refraining from eating or drinking before 3:00 pm.<ref name="dw2017-03-22" /> Ethiopian devotees may also abstain from sexual activity and the consumption of alcohol.<ref name="dw2017-03-22" />
===Quartodecimanism=== [[Quartodeciman]] Christians ended 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 == [[File:Legionarios en la procesión de El Encuentro (Semana Santa en Ceuta, 2012).jpg|thumb|In many [[Christian state|Christian countries]], [[Procession#Christian|religious processions]] during the season of Lent are often accompanied by a military escort both for security and parade. [[Ceuta]], Spain]] Three traditional practices are to be taken up with renewed vigour during Lent; these are known as the three pillars of Lent:<ref name="Hilovsky2025">{{cite web |last1=Hilovsky |first1=Judy |title=The Biblical Foundations of Lent and Ash Wednesday |url=https://www.museumofthebible.org/magazine/featured/the-biblical-foundations-of-lent-and-ash-wednesday |publisher=[[Museum of the Bible]] |access-date=18 February 2026 |date=4 March 2025}}</ref><ref name="DLC2021"/> # [[Christian prayer|prayer]] ([[justice]] toward God) # [[fasting]] (justice toward self) # [[Almsgiving#Christianity|almsgiving]] (justice toward neighbours)
Self-reflection, simplicity, and sincerity are emphasised during the Lenten season.<ref name="Jumper2020"/>
Often observed (especially on Fridays) in Christian churches of the Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican denominations are the [[Stations of the Cross]], a devotional commemoration of [[Christ Carrying the Cross|Christ's carrying the Cross]] and [[Crucifixion of Jesus|crucifixion]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Stations of the Cross|url=http://www.holytrinitychicago.org/worship/stations|publisher=Holy Trinity Lutheran Church|access-date=20 October 2017|language=en|archive-date=20 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020191659/http://www.holytrinitychicago.org/worship/stations|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Stations-of-the-Cross|title=Good Friday: Stations of the Cross Explained|publisher=Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (KJZZ14)|date= 15 April 2022|quote=It has become standard for Catholic churches in the United States to mark the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. In addition to Catholics, some Protestant churches, especially those belonging to the Episcopal [i.e., Anglican] or Lutheran denominations, also commemorate the Stations of the Cross as of their Lenten activities.}}</ref> During Lent, Christian churches remove flowers from their [[chancel]]s and veil [[crucifix]]es, religious statues that show the triumphant Christ, and other elaborate religious symbols in violet fabrics. The [[Lenten shrouds|custom of veiling]] is typically practised the last two weeks of Lent, beginning on the fifth Sunday of Lent (known as ''Judica'' Sunday or [[Passion Sunday]]) until [[Good Friday]]. During the Good Friday liturgy in Christian churches of the Catholic and Lutheran traditions, a wooden cross is venerated.<ref name="Gramenz2021">{{cite web |last1=Gramenz |first1=Stefan |title=Holy Week III: Good Friday |url=https://lutheranmissal.home.blog/2021/03/31/holy-week-iii-good-friday/ |publisher=The Lutheran Missal |access-date=18 February 2026 |language=en |date=31 March 2021}}</ref> The same cross is often decorated with flowers on Easter Sunday.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barnes |first1=Suzanne |title='Flowering of the Cross' to mark Easter service |url=https://www.thegazette.com/people-places/flowering-of-the-cross-to-mark-easter-service/ |access-date=18 February 2026 |date=25 March 2023}}</ref>
=== Pre-Lenten observances === {{Main|Pre-Lent|Shrovetide}} During [[pre-Lent]], it is customary for Christians to ponder what [[Lenten sacrifice]]s they will make for Lent.<ref name="JKelvey2018">{{cite web |last1=Kelvey |first1=Jon |title=Strawbridge United Methodist keeps Shrove Tuesday pancake tradition |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll/news/cc-shrove-tuesday-pancakes-20180213-story.html |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |access-date=25 February 2020 |language=en |date=13 February 2018}}</ref>
The pre-Lenten period concludes with the opportunity for a last round of merrymaking, known as [[Carnival]], [[Shrovetide]], or [[Fastelavn]], before the start of the sombre Lenten season. The traditions of carrying Shrovetide rods and consuming Shrovetide buns after attending church are celebrated.<ref name="ELCD2021">{{cite web |title=Shrovetide|url=https://www.lutheranchurch.dk/liturgy-and-worship/festivals-and-traditions/shrovetide |publisher=[[Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark]] |access-date=8 February 2021 |language=English}}</ref><ref name="Beadle1994">{{cite book|last=Beadle|first=Richard|title=The Cambridge Companion to Medieval English Theatre|date=17 March 1994|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=9780521459167|page=[https://archive.org/details/cambridgecompani00rich_1/page/69 69]|quote=One of these was the pre-Lent Carnival extravaganza of Shrovetide, though this seems to have been celebrated to a much lesser extent in Britain than it was (and still is) on the continent: however, we know of English Shrovetide plays, and ''Mankind'' bears signs of being one of them (''335'').|url=https://archive.org/details/cambridgecompani00rich_1/page/69}}</ref>
On the final day of the season, [[Shrove Tuesday]] or [[Mardi Gras]], many traditional Christians, such as [[Catholics]], [[Lutheranism|Evangelical-Lutherans]] and [[Anglicans]], among others "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."<ref name="Thaler2020">{{cite web |last1=Thaler |first1=Shmuel |title=Lunch marks beginning of Lent |url=https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2020/02/26/photo-lunch-marks-beginning-of-lent/ |publisher=[[Santa Cruz Sentinel]] |access-date=8 March 2021 |language=English |date=26 February 2020 |quote=Shrove Tuesday is observed by many Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and Roman Catholics who 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.}}</ref><ref name="Walker2011">{{cite web|url=http://articles.dailyamerican.com/2011-03-07/news/29155052_1_pancake-dinner-pancake-day-shrove|title=Shrove Tuesday inspires unique church traditions|last=Walker|first=Katie|date=7 March 2011|publisher=Daily American|access-date=4 January 2016|quote=Many local churches will celebrate Shrove Tuesday tomorrow, a day of feasting commonly known as "pancake day." Shrove Tuesday is typically observed by Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist and Catholic denominations, but each church celebrates the day in its own, unique way. The Rev. Lenny Anderson of the St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Somerset said the primary focus of Shrove Tuesday is to prepare for Lent, the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter.|archive-date=14 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214030411/http://articles.dailyamerican.com/2011-03-07/news/29155052_1_pancake-dinner-pancake-day-shrove|url-status=dead}}</ref> As such, many churches (particulary those of the Catholic and Lutheran traditions) offer the sacrament of [[Confession]] on Shrove Tuesday.<ref name="Lebanon2024">{{cite web |title=Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday Services |url=https://www.lebanonlutheranchurch.org/shrove-tuesday-and-ash-wednesday-services/ |publisher=Lebanon Lutheran Church |access-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216042727/https://www.lebanonlutheranchurch.org/shrove-tuesday-and-ash-wednesday-services/ |archive-date=16 February 2024 |date=6 February 2024}}</ref><ref name="Shepherd2021">{{cite web |title=Shrove Tuesday |url=https://www.shepherdinthefalls.com/events/shrove-tuesday|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327164804/https://www.shepherdinthefalls.com/events/shrove-tuesday|archivedate=27 March 2022 |publisher=Church of the Good Shepherd |access-date=16 February 2021 |url-status=usurped |language=English}}</ref><ref name="NWF2014">{{cite web |title=Special events, services for Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday |url=https://www.nwfdailynews.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2014/02/28/1-284363/33978234007/ |publisher=[[Northwest Florida Daily News]] |access-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608143052/https://www.nwfdailynews.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2014/02/28/1-284363/33978234007/ |archive-date=8 June 2023 |date=28 February 2014}}</ref> 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 [[Palm branch|palms]] to make the ashes used during the services held on the very next day, Ash Wednesday.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shrove Tuesday |url=https://www.timesreporter.com/news/20200218/good-day |publisher=[[The Times-Reporter]] |access-date=4 April 2020 |language=en |date=18 February 2020 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806074002/https://www.timesreporter.com/news/20200218/good-day |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In historically [[Lutheran]] nations, Shrovetide is known as [[Fastelavn]]. After attending the [[Mass (liturgy)#Lutheranism|Mass]] on [[Shrove Sunday]], congregants enjoy Shrovetide buns (fastelavnsboller), "round sweet buns that are covered with icing and filled with cream and/or jam."<ref name="ELCD2021"/> Children often dress up and collect money from people while singing.<ref name="ELCD2021"/> They also practise the tradition of hitting a barrel, which represents fighting Satan; after doing this, children enjoy the sweets inside the barrel.<ref name="ELCD2021"/> 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."<ref name="ELCD2021"/>
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 (religion)|confession]] to; to absolve."<ref name="Melitta Weiss Adamson, Francine Segan 2008">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PPDIx6WWuOQC&q=Anglican+Mardi+Gras&pg=PA354|title=Entertaining from Ancient Rome to the Super Bowl|author=Melitta Weiss Adamson, Francine Segan|publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]]|year=2008|isbn=9780313086892|quote=In Anglican countries, Mardis Gras is known as ''Shrove Tuesday''—from ''shrive'' meaning "confess"—or ''Pancake Day''—after the breakfast food that symbolizes one final hearty meal of eggs, butter, milk and sugar before the fast. On Ash Wednesday, the morning after Mardi Gras, repentant Christians return to church to receive upon the forehead the sign of the cross in ashes.}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pancake Day: Why Shrove Tuesday is a thing |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-43044272 |website=BBC News |access-date=17 February 2021 |date=25 February 2020}}</ref>
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|date=February 2021}}
In stark contrast to traditions of merrymaking and feasting, Oriental Orthodox Churches practise a pre-Lenten fast in preparation for Lent which is immediately followed by the fast of Great Lent without interruption. One example is the traditional [[Assyrian people|Assyrian]] festival of [[Hano Qritho]], in which a feast is prepared from [[bulgur]], meat and eggs before the start of fasting.
=== Fasting and Lenten sacrifice === [[File:Brooklyn Museum - Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness (Jésus tenté dans le désert) - James Tissot - overall.jpg|thumb|''Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness (Jésus tenté dans le désert)'', [[James Tissot]], [[Brooklyn Museum]]]] {{main|Lenten sacrifice}} {{see also|Christian dietary laws}} 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 40 days of Lent (regardless of how they are enumerated; see [[#Date and duration|above]]). Historically, fasting and abstinence have been maintained continuously for the weekdays of the whole Lenten season, with Sundays being days of abstinence only.<ref name="WJW">{{cite book |last1=W |first1=W.J. |title=The Irish Ecclesiastical Record |date=1881 |publisher=Browne and Nolan |page=34 |language=en |quote=But although the Sundays in Lent are not ''fasting'' days, there can be no question that, by the common law of the Church, they are days of most rigorous ''abstinence''.}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Mortimer2016">{{cite web |last1=Mortimer |first1=Caroline |title=The top 10 things most people will (try) to give up for Lent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/lent-2016-the-top-10-things-most-people-will-try-to-give-up-a6865181.html |work=[[The Independent]] |accessdate=17 March 2019 |language=English |date=10 February 2016|quote=Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent - the festival where people give up a guilty pleasure for 40 days until Easter Sunday. Lent marks the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert.}}</ref>
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 sacrifice]]s they will make for Lent.<ref name="JKelvey2018"/> Examples include practising [[Christian vegetarianism|vegetarianism]] and [[teetotalism]] during Lent as a Lenten sacrifice.<ref name="McDuff2013">{{cite web |last1=McDuff |first1=Mallory |title=After Giving up Alcohol, I'm Addicted to Lent |url=https://sojo.net/articles/lenten-reflections/after-giving-alcohol-i-m-addicted-lent |publisher=[[Sojourners]] |access-date=18 February 2021 |language=English |date=4 April 2013}}</ref><ref name="Bekhechi2017">{{cite web |last1=Bekhechi |first1=Mimi |title=This is why you should go vegetarian or vegan for Lent and how to do it |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/vegetarian-vegan-giving-meat-lent-why-and-how-do-it-a7606031.html |work=[[The Independent]] |access-date=18 February 2021 |language=English |date=1 March 2017}}</ref> While making a Lenten sacrifice, it is customary to [[Christian prayer|pray]] for strength to keep it; many often wish others for doing so as well, e.g. "May God bless your Lenten sacrifice."<ref>{{cite web |title=What is Shrove Tuesday? Meaning, Traditions, and 2021 Date |url=https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-shrove-tuesday-meaning-and-holiday-date.html |publisher=[[Christianity.com]] |access-date=16 February 2021 |language=English |quote=While undergoing a Lenten sacrifice, it is helpful to pray for strength; and encouraging fellow Christians in their fast saying, for example: "May God bless your Lenten sacrifice."}}</ref> In addition, some believers add a regular spiritual discipline, to bring them closer to God, such as reading a Lenten [[daily devotional]].<ref name=Crumm>{{cite book|last=Crumm|first=David|title=Our Lent, 2nd Edition|publisher=David Crumm Media LLC |isbn=978-1934879504}}</ref>
For Catholics, Lutherans, Moravians, Anglicans, United Protestants, and Lent-observing Methodists and Reformed Christians, the Lenten penitential season ends after the [[Easter Vigil]] [[Mass (liturgy)|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 Christianity|liberal]] and [[progressive Christianity|progressive Christians]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/series/ash-wednesday-practice-and-meaning/ |title=Ash Wednesday: What Is Ash Wednesday? How Do We Observe It? Why Should We? |publisher=Patheos.com |access-date=25 March 2014}}</ref> A greater emphasis on the anticipation of [[Easter Sunday]] is often encouraged more than the penitence of Lent or Holy Week.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.peterlang.com/index.cfm?event=cmp.ccc.seitenstruktur.detailseiten&seitentyp=produkt&pk=54122&cid=690 |title=An Ecofeminist Perspective on Ash Wednesday and Lent |publisher=Peter Lang Verlagsgruppe |access-date=25 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219030310/http://www.peterlang.com/index.cfm?event=cmp.ccc.seitenstruktur.detailseiten&seitentyp=produkt&pk=54122&cid=690 |archive-date=19 December 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hebden|first=Keith|title=This Lent I will eat no food, to highlight the hunger all around us|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/03/lent-food-hunger-fasting-britain|newspaper=The Guardian|date=3 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Matt |last=DiLallo |url=http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/03/02/believe-it-or-not-catholics-observing-lent-save-ou.aspx |title=Believe it or Not, Catholics Observing Lent Save Our Environment |publisher=Fool.com |date=2 March 2014 |access-date=25 March 2014}}</ref> Even some [[atheists]] find value in the Christian tradition and observe Lent.<ref>{{cite web|last=Winston|first=Kimberly|title=After giving up religion, atheists try giving up something else for Lent|url=http://www.religionnews.com/2013/03/18/after-giving-up-religion-atheists-try-giving-up-something-else-for-lent/|publisher=Religion News Service|access-date=19 March 2013|date=18 March 2013}}</ref>
==== Lenten Black Fast ==== 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 a [[Christian vegetarianism|vegetarian]] supper (no food or drink is consumed in a day apart from that in the [[Lenten supper]]).<ref name="Cléir2017">{{cite book|last=Cléir|first=Síle de|title=Popular Catholicism in 20th-Century Ireland: Locality, Identity and Culture|year=2017|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|language=en|isbn=978-1350020603|page=101|quote=Catherine Bell outlines the details of fasting and abstinence in a historical context, stating that the Advent fast was usually less severe than that carried out in Lent, which originally involved just one meal a day, not to be eaten until after sunset.}}</ref><ref name="GuérangerFromage1912">{{cite book|last1=Guéranger|first1=Prosper|last2=Fromage|first2=Lucien|title=The Liturgical Year: Lent|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8RJDAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA7 |access-date=7 February 2019 |year=1912|publisher=Burns, Oates & Washbourne|language=en |page=8|quote=St. Benedict's rule prescribed a great many fasts, over and above the ecclesiastical fast of Lent; but it made this great distinction between the two: that whilst Lent obliged the monks, as well as the rest of the faithful, to abstain from food till sunset, these monastic fasts allowed the repast to be taken at the hour of None.}}</ref><ref name="Butler"/><ref name="Kiernan"/> 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.<ref name="Addis2020">{{cite news |last1=Addis |first1=Richard |title=Goodbye to tasty treats as Lent begins |url=https://theday.co.uk/stories/goodbye-to-tasty-treats-as-lent-begins |newspaper=[[The Day (website)|The Day]] |access-date=17 March 2021 |language=English |date=26 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="Zaidi2022">{{cite web |last1=Zaidi |first1=Hiyah |title=What is Ash Wednesday 2023? When is day, Lent meaning, what is mass - is it connected to Shrove Tuesday |url=https://www.nationalworld.com/culture/ash-wednesday-2023-christian-observance-when-shrove-tuesday-meaning-lent-3584972 |publisher=National World |access-date=14 March 2024 |language=English |date=24 February 2022|quote=Some Christians choose to fast where Western Christians traditionally break the Lenten fast at sunset also known as the Black Fast. In countries such as India and Pakistan, some Christians fast until sunset on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday with some manner of fasting within the 40 days of Lent.}}</ref>
==== Daniel Fast ==== 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. {{Bibleverse|Daniel|10:3|KJV}}).<ref name="RNS2013">{{cite news |title=Lent: Daniel Fast Gains Popularity |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/07/lent-daniel-fast-gains-popularity_n_2640352.html |accessdate=December 30, 2018 |work=HuffPost |agency=Religion News Service |date=February 7, 2013 |quote=In some cases, entire churches do the Daniel Fast together during Lent. The idea strikes a chord in Methodist traditions, which trace their heritage to John Wesley, a proponent of fasting. Leaders in the African Methodist Episcopal Church have urged churchgoers to do the Daniel Fast together, and congregations from Washington to Pennsylvania and Maryland have joined in.}}</ref><ref name="SMMRCC2021">{{cite web |title=Daniel Fast – Lent 2021 |url=http://www.stmarymagdalensa.org/daniel-fast-lent-2021/ |publisher=St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church |access-date=26 March 2022 |language=English |date=2021 |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413083647/http://www.stmarymagdalensa.org/daniel-fast-lent-2021/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Hinton2016">{{cite web |last1=Hinton |first1=Carla |title=The Fast and the Faithful: Catholic parish in Oklahoma takes up Lenten discipline based on biblical Daniel's diet |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/religion/2016/02/20/fast-and-the-faithful-catholic-parish-oklahoma-takes-lenten-discipline-based-biblical-daniels-diet/60691130007/ |publisher=[[The Oklahoman]] |access-date=27 March 2022 |language=English |date=20 February 2016 |quote=Many parishioners at St. Philip Neri are participating in the Daniel fast, a religious diet program based on the fasting experiences of the Old Testament prophet Daniel. […] participating parishioners started the fast Ash Wednesday (Feb. 10) and will continue through Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.}}</ref>
==== Lenten supper ==== 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 40 days of Lent during which a family (or individual) concludes that day's fast after a [[grace (prayer)|mealtime prayer]].<ref name="Lighthouse2018">{{cite web |title=The Lighthouse |url=http://christsaviorchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/02-2018-Church-Bulletin_email-version.pdf |publisher=Christ the Savior Orthodox Church |page=3 |language=English |date=2018 |access-date=17 February 2021 |archive-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216003633/https://christsaviorchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/02-2018-Church-Bulletin_email-version.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==== Abstinence from meat and animal products ==== [[File:Linsen-Möhren-Orangensuppe (5417587993).jpg|thumb|Lenten suppers often consist of a vegetarian soup, bread, and water in order to maintain the season's focus on abstinence, sacrifice, and simplicity.]] Fasting has historically included abstinence from alcohol, meat, [[lacticinia]] (dairy products), and other edible produce derived from animals (such as eggs), which has been enjoined continuously for the whole duration of the season including Sundays.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Questions Regarding the Lenten Fast |date=1881 |publisher=Browne and Nolan |page=32 |language=English|journal=The Irish Ecclesiastical Record}}</ref><ref name="Kellner1908">{{cite book |last1=Kellner |first1=Karl Adam Heinrich |title=Heortology: A History of the Christian Festivals from Their Origin to the Present Day |date=1908 |publisher=K. Paul |page=99 |language=English}}</ref> Church Father [[John Chrysostom]] stated that the early Christians did not consume meat for the whole duration of Lent.<ref name="Kellner1908"/> Throughout [[Christendom]], some adherents continue to mark the season with a traditional abstention from the consumption of meat ([[Christian vegetarianism|vegetarianism]]), most notably among Catholics, Lutherans, and Anglicans.<ref name="ELCA1978"/><ref name="Gavitt1991"/> 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.<ref name="ELCA1978"/><ref name="Samaan2024"/>
In 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.<ref name="Thurston1904">{{cite book |last1=Thurston |first1=Herbert |title=Lent and Holy Week|date=1904 |publisher=[[Longmans, Green]] |page=57 |language=English}}</ref>
Abstinence from alcohol during the season of Lent has traditionally been enjoined "in remembrance of the Sacred Thirst of Our Lord on the Cross."<ref name="Kellner1908"/><ref>{{cite book |title=Regulations for Lent |date=1905 |publisher=[[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto]] |page=4 |language=English |quote=The Faithful are recommended during Lent to abstain from all intoxicating drinks in remembrance of the Sacred Thirst of Our Lord on the Cross.}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Temperance: Total Abstinence During Lent |journal=[[The Sacred Heart Review]] |date=1900 |volume=23 |issue=10 |page=162}}</ref>
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 [[Baldwin of Forde|Archbishop Baldwin]] through Wales'', reports that "in [[Germany]] and the arctic regions", "great and religious persons" eat the tail of [[beaver]]s 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.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1148 |title=Baldwin's Itinerary Through Wales |volume=2 |chapter=OF THE RIVER TEIVI, CARDIGAN, AND EMELYN |author=Giraldus Cambrensis |publisher=J. M. Dent and Sons |date=1912 |access-date=24 September 2024}}</ref> [[Saint Thomas Aquinas]] allowed for the consumption of sweetened foods during Lent, because "sugared spices", such as [[comfits]], were, in his opinion, digestive aids on par with medicine rather than food.<ref>{{cite book |last=Richardson |first=Tim H. |title=Sweets: A History of Candy |publisher=Bloomsbury |year=2002 |isbn=978-1-58234-229-0 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/sweets00timr/page/147 147–148] |url=https://archive.org/details/sweets00timr/page/147 }}</ref>
Fasting practices are considerably relaxed in Western societies today, though in the Eastern Orthodox, [[Oriental Orthodox]], [[Eastern Catholic]], and [[Byzantine Rite Lutheranism|Eastern Lutheran]] Churches abstinence from all animal products including eggs, fish, fowl, and milk is still commonly practised, 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 [[Fasting and abstinence in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|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 in Western Christianity 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.<ref name="canons"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cuf.org/2007/05/faith-fact-lent-discipline-and-history/|title=Catholics United for the Faith – Lent – Discipline and History – Teaching the Catholic Faith|work=Catholics United for the Faith – Catholics United for the Faith is an international lay apostolate founded to help the faithful learn what the Catholic Church teaches.}}</ref><ref>Colin B. Donovan, [http://www.ewtn.com/faith/lent/fast.htm Fast and Abstinence]. Retrieved 28 December 2007.</ref>
==== Sexual abstinence ==== The [[Coptic Orthodox Church]], a denomination of [[Oriental Orthodox Christianity]], teaches that during Lent believers "should refrain from physical relations to give themselves time for fasting and prayer ({{Bibleverse|1 Corinthians|7:5|KJV}})."<ref name="Samaan2024"/> Also, the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] enjoins abstinence from sexual relations during Lent.<ref name="Menzel2014">{{cite news |last1=Menzel |first1=Konstantinos |title=Abstaining From Sex Is Part of Fasting |newspaper=Greekreporter.com |url=https://greekreporter.com/2014/04/14/abstaining-from-sex-is-part-of-fasting/ |publisher=[[Greek Reporter]] |access-date=27 May 2021 |language=English |date=14 April 2014}}</ref>
In Western Christianity, through the [[Middle Ages]], Christians abstained from sexual relations during the whole of Lent.<ref name="Brundage2009">{{cite book |last1=Brundage |first1=James A. |title=Law, Sex, and Christian Society in Medieval Europe |date=15 February 2009 |publisher=[[University of Chicago Press]] |isbn=978-0-226-07789-5 |page=158 |language=English}}</ref> In view of this, nine months after Lent, birth records were drastically low.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rigors of Lent Have Eased With Time |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-02-25-me-35840-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=25 February 1995}}</ref> In Spain, according to researchers from the [[University of Valencia]] and the [[University of Alcalá|University of Alcalà]], the custom of abstaining from sexual relations was widely practised until the end of the [[Franco regime|Franco régime]], though some Western Christians voluntarily continue this practice today.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Catholic precept of not having sex during Lent was maintained until the end of the Franco regime |work=R&I World |url=https://ruvid.org/ri-world/the-catholic-precept-of-not-having-sex-during-lent-was-maintained-until-the-end-of-the-franco-regime/ |access-date=27 May 2021 |language=English |date=11 June 2020}}</ref>
=== Specific fasting traditions by Christian denomination === ==== Catholicism ==== {{further|Fasting and abstinence in the Catholic Church{{!}}Fasting in the Catholic Church}} Prior to 1966, the Catholic Church allowed Catholics of fasting age to eat only one full meal a day, generally at noon, throughout all forty days of Lent, except on the Lord's Day. Catholics were allowed to take a smaller meal in the evening, called a [[Collation (meal)|collation]], which was introduced after the 14th century A.D., and a cup of some beverage such as tea, coffee, or diluted chocolate, accompanied by a bite of bread or a cracker, in the morning. Liquids including soda, beer, and wine were allowed as drinks at any time, except milk or broth, which were considered to be food.<ref>{{cite CE1913 |last=O'Neill |first=James David |wstitle=Fast |volume=5}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.intratext.com/IXT/LAT0813/_P41.HTM|title=CIC 1917: text – IntraText CT|website=Intratext.com|access-date=21 November 2017}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.intratext.com/IXT/LAT0813/_P41.HTM|title=CIC 1917: text – IntraText CT|website=Intratext.com|access-date=21 November 2017}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gregson|first1=David|title=Fasting|url=http://www.ewtn.com/vexperts/showmessage.asp?number=446700&Pg=&Pgnu=&recnu=|website=EWTN|publisher=[[Eternal Word Television Network]]|access-date=9 February 2015}}</ref>
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 conference]]s 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rules for fast and abstinence |work=District of the USA |url=https://sspx.org/en/rules-fast-and-abstinence |publisher=[[SSPX]] |access-date=9 March 2021 |language=English |date=3 December 2014}}</ref> 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…"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-vi_apc_19660217_paenitemini.html|title=Paenitemini (February 17, 1966) – Paul VI|website=w2.vatican.va|access-date=21 November 2017}}</ref>
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.<ref name="canons">{{cite web|url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4O.HTM|title=Code of Canon Law – IntraText|website=Vatican.va|access-date=21 November 2017}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2010/11/23/feature-friday-penance/|title=Friday Penance resource from ICBC|website=Catholicbishops.ie|access-date=21 November 2017}}</ref>
The [[Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales]] made a similar ruling in 1985<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Resources/Penance/Abstinence.pdf|title=Fasting and Abstinence. Statement from the Bishops of England and Wales on Canons 1249–1253}}</ref> but decided in 2011 to restore the traditional year-round Friday abstinence from meat.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14929199|title=Catholics asked to abstain from meat for Friday penance|work=BBC News|date=16 September 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ewtn.com/vexperts/showresult.asp?RecNum=639219&Forums=0&Experts=0&Days=2009&Author=&Keyword=fasting&pgnu=1&groupnum=0&record_bookmark=1|title=EWTN Q & A, Response|website=Ewtn.com|access-date=21 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Questions and Answers about Lent and Lenten Practices |url=http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/lent/questions-and-answers-about-lent.cfm |website=usccb.org |access-date=February 26, 2020}}</ref>
The [[Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen]] (CMRI), a [[Sedevacantist 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.<ref name="CMRI2018">{{cite web |title=The Church Laws of Fast and Abstinence |url=https://www.cmri-maine.org/2018/11/17/fasting-and-abstinence/ |publisher=Saint Theresa's Roman Catholic Church |access-date=2 March 2021 |language=English |date=17 November 2018}}</ref>
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's Day#Catholic traditions|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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slate.com/id/2138120/ |title=Thou Shalt Eat Corned Beef on Friday: Who Sets the Rules on Lent? |last=Engber|first= Daniel |date=15 March 2006 |work=Slate |access-date=13 February 2010}}</ref> 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.<ref name=HK>{{cite web|url=http://www.catholic.org.hk/v2/en/know/aknow_02.html|title=Penitential Days – Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong|access-date=31 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307113330/http://www.catholic.org.hk/v2/en/know/aknow_02.html|archive-date=7 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==== Lutheranism ==== 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."<ref name="Gassmann 180">{{cite book|last=Gassmann|first=Günther|title=Historical Dictionary of Lutheranism |date=2001|publisher=Scarecrow Press, Inc.|isbn=978-0810866201|page=180}}</ref> Many [[Lutheran]] churches advocate fasting during Lent,<ref name="GassmannOldenburg2011">{{cite book|title=Historical Dictionary of Lutheranism|last1=Gassmann|first1=Günther|last2=Oldenburg|first2=Mark W.|publisher=Scarecrow Press|year= 2011|isbn=978-0810874824|page=229|language=en|quote=In many Lutheran churches, the Sundays during the Lenten season are called by the first word of their respective Latin Introitus (with the exception of Palm/Passion Sunday): Invocavit,[sic] Reminiscere, Oculi, Laetare, and Judica. Many Lutheran church orders of the 16th century retained the observation of the Lenten fast, and Lutherans have observed this season with a serene, earnest attitude. Special days of eucharistic communion were set aside on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.}}</ref><ref>[http://www.lcms.org/pages/wPage.asp?ContentID=246&IssueID=19 What is the holiest season of the Church Year?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209190015/http://www.lcms.org/pages/wPage.asp?ContentID=246&IssueID=19 |date=9 February 2009 }}. Retrieved 3 February 2010. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090209190015/http://www.lcms.org/pages/wPage.asp?ContentID=246&IssueID=19 Archived copy] at the [[Internet Archive]]</ref> especially on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.<ref name="Hatch1978">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Jane M.|title=The American Book of Days|year=1978|publisher=Wilson|language=en|isbn=978-0824205935|page=[https://archive.org/details/americanbookofda00hatc/page/163 163]|quote=Special religious services are held on Ash Wednesday by the Church of England, and in the United States by Episcopal, Lutheran, and some other Protestant churches. The Episcopal Church prescribes no rules concerning fasting on Ash Wednesday, which is carried out according to members' personal wishes; however, it recommends a measure of fasting and abstinence as a suitable means of marking the day with proper devotion. Among Lutherans as well, there are no set rules for fasting, although some local congregations may advocate this form of penitence in varying degrees.|url=https://archive.org/details/americanbookofda00hatc/page/163}}</ref><ref name="GassmannOldenburg2011"/><ref name="Pfatteicher1990">{{cite book|last=Pfatteicher|first=Philip H.|title=Commentary on the Lutheran Book of Worship: Lutheran Liturgy in Its Ecumenical Context|year=1990|publisher=Augsburg Fortress Publishers|language=en |isbn=978-0800603922|pages=223–244, 260|quote=The Good Friday fast became the principal fast in the calendar, and even after the Reformation in Germany many Lutherans who observed no other fast scrupulously kept Good Friday with strict fasting.}}</ref><ref name="JacobsHaas1899">{{cite book|last1=Jacobs|first1=Henry Eyster|last2=Haas|first2=John Augustus William|title=The Lutheran Cyclopedia|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_93ErAAAAYAAJ|year=1899|publisher=Scribner|language=en|page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_93ErAAAAYAAJ/page/n126 110]|quote=By many Lutherans Good Friday is observed as a strict fast. The lessons on Ash Wednesday emphasize the proper idea of the fast. The Sundays in Lent receive their names from the first words of their Introits in the Latin service, Invocavit, Reminiscere, Oculi, Lcetare, Judica.}}</ref> ''A Handbook for the Discipline of Lent'' published by the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]], a [[mainline Protestant|mainline]] Lutheran denomination, offers a number of guidelines for fasting, abstinence, and other forms of self-denial during Lent:<ref name="ELCA1978"/> {{blockquote| #Fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday with only one simple meal during the day, usually without meat. #Refrain from eating meat (bloody foods) on all Fridays in Lent, substituting fish for example. #Eliminate a food or food group for the entire season. Especially consider saving rich and fatty foods for Easter. #Consider not eating before receiving Communion in Lent. #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. #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.<ref name="ELCA1978">{{cite web|url=http://www.ststephenlutheranchurch.org/pdf/Disciplines%20of%20Lent-%20Handbook.pdf|title=A Handbook for the Discipline of Lent|last=Weitzel|first=Thomas L.|year=1978|publisher=Evangelical Lutheran Church in America|language=en|access-date=17 March 2018|archive-date=17 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317164940/http://www.ststephenlutheranchurch.org/pdf/Disciplines%20of%20Lent-%20Handbook.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>}} The [[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod]], a [[Confessional Lutheranism|confessional Lutheran]] denomination, likewise encourages (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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lcms.org/about/beliefs/faqs/worship-and-congregational-life|title=Frequently Asked Questions — Worship & Congregational Life|access-date=12 April 2022|publisher=Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://witness.lcms.org/2018/what-to-give-up-for-lent|last=Petesen|first=David|title=What to Give up for Lent?|date=13 February 2018|access-date=12 April 2022|publisher=Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod|language=en}}</ref>
==== Moravianism ==== 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.<ref name="NHMC2021">{{cite web |title=Lent: 40 Days of Spiritual Renewal |url=https://www.newhopemoravian.org/holy-days.html |publisher=New Hope Moravian Church |access-date=17 February 2021 |language=English |archive-date=12 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512140401/https://newhopemoravian.org/holy-days.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==== Reformed ==== [[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."<ref>{{cite book|last=Calvin|first=John|translator-last=Beveridge|translator-first=Henry|title= Institutes of the Christian Religion|date=1536}}</ref> Similarly, leading Reformed divines such as [[Samuel Rutherford]] rejected the obligation of Lent.<ref>{{cite book|last=Rutherford|first=Samuel|title= Lex, Rex, Or The Law And The Prince: A Dispute For The Just Prerogative Of King And People|date=1643|page=181}},</ref>
The [[Directory for Public Worship]] produced by the [[Westminster Assembly]] in 1644 and approved by the [[Parliament of Scotland|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]]).<ref>{{cite book|title= Directory for the Public Worship of God|publisher=The Westminster Assembly|date=1645|location=Chapter XIV}}</ref> Accordingly, and in keeping with the Reformed [[regulative principle of worship]], the Reformed churches have historically not observed Lent.<ref>{{cite web|last=Clark|first=R. Scott|author-link=R. Scott Clark|title=With The Reformed Pubcast On Lent And Sola Scriptura|quote=According to the western church calendar this is the Lenten season (the 40 days from 'Shrove Tuesday' to Easter) and it is being more widely observed within NAPARC. This is worth noting since, historically, most Reformed churches have not observed Lent and have often confessed against it as an infringement of Christian liberty and contrary to the formal principle of the Reformation, ''sola scriptura''.|url=https://heidelblog.net/2017/03/with-the-reformed-pubcast-on-lent-and-sola-scriptura|publisher=The Heidelblog|date=14 March 2017}}</ref>
Some churches in the Reformed tradition observe Lent today.<ref name="EB1911"/> 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 practising works of love, and by reading and reflecting on God's Holy Word."<ref name="RCA2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.rca.org/resources/ash-wednesday|title=Ash Wednesday|year=2018|publisher=[[Reformed Church in America]]|language=en|access-date=13 March 2018}}</ref> 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.<ref name="RipleyDana1883"/>
==== Anglicanism ====
The ''[[Book of Common Prayer]]'' (1662) of the [[Church of England]] designates "All the Fridays in the Year, except Christmas Day" as days of fasting and abstinence, alongside the forty days of Lent, the [[Ember Days]], the [[Rogation Days]], and the vigils of feast days.<ref name="Chisholm">{{cite book |last1=Chisholm |first1=Hugh |title=Encyclopedia Britannica: A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature and General Information |date=1911 |publisher=University Press |page=197 |language=en}}</ref> [[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."<ref name="Gavitt1991">{{cite book|last=Gavitt|first=Loren Nichols|title=Traditional Saint Augustine's Prayer Book: A Book of Devotion for Members of the Anglican Communion|year=1991|publisher=Holy Cross Publications}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web|title=The Church's Discipline as to Fasting and Abstinence|url=http://www.episcopalnet.org/TRACTS/fasting.html|publisher=Anglican Communion|access-date=3 March 2014}}</ref>
==== Methodism ==== The historical Methodist homilies regarding the [[Sermon on the Mount]] stress the importance of the Lenten fast, which begins on Ash Wednesday.<ref name="AbrahamKirby2009">{{cite book|last1=Abraham|first1=William J.|last2=Kirby|first2=James E.|title=The Oxford Handbook of Methodist Studies|year=2009|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-160743-1|pages=257–}}</ref> The [[United Methodist Church]] therefore states that: {{blockquote|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.<ref name="UMCFasting2017">{{cite web|url=http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/what-does-the-united-methodist-church-say-about-fasting|title=What does The United Methodist Church say about fasting?|publisher=The United Methodist Church|language=en|access-date=1 March 2017}}</ref>}} [[Good Friday]], which is towards the end of the Lenten season, is traditionally an important day of communal fasting for Methodists.<ref name="RipleyDana1883">{{cite book|last1=Ripley|first1=George|last2=Dana|first2=Charles Anderson|title=The American Cyclopaedia: A Popular Dictionary for General Knowledge|url=https://archive.org/details/americancyclopa06danagoog|year=1883|publisher=D. Appleton and Company|language=en |page=[https://archive.org/details/americancyclopa06danagoog/page/n108 101]|quote=The Protestant Episcopal, Lutheran, and Reformed churches, as well as many Methodists, observe the day by fasting and special services.}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.umc.org/resources/lent-a-time-to-fast-and-pray|title=Lent: A Time to Fast and Pray|last=Chavez|first=Kathrin|year=2010|publisher=The United Methodist Church|language=en|access-date=1 March 2017}}</ref>
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."<ref>{{cite web |title=What is Lent and why does it last forty days? |url=https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-is-lent-and-why-does-it-last-forty-days |publisher=[[The United Methodist Church]] |access-date=8 March 2021 |language=English}}</ref>
The liturgical book ''[[The Sunday Service of the Methodists]]'' (put together by [[John Wesley]]), as well as the Directions Given to Band Societies (25 December 1744), mandate fasting and abstinence from meat on all Fridays of the year (except Christmas Day, if it falls on a Friday).<ref name="Wesley1825">{{cite book |author1=[[John Wesley]] |title=The Sunday Service of the Methodists |date=1825 |publisher=J. Kershaw |page=145 |language=English |quote="''Days of Fasting or Abstinence'' All the Fridays in the Year, except Christmas-Day"}}</ref><ref name="McKnight2010">{{cite book |last1=McKnight |first1=Scot |title=Fasting: The Ancient Practices |date=2010 |publisher=Thomas Nelson |isbn=9781418576134 |pages=88 |language=English|quote=John Wesley, in his ''Journal'', wrote on Friday, August 17, 1739, that "many of our society met, as we had appointed, at one in the afternoon and agreed that all members of our society should obey the Church to which we belong by observing 'all Fridays in the year' as 'days of fasting and abstinence.'}}</ref>
=== Other related fasting periods === [[File:Ashes_to_Go_at_Palmer_Memorial_Episcopal_Church.jpg|thumb|upright=1|The season of Lent begins on [[Ash Wednesday]], most notably by the public imposition of ashes. In this photograph, a woman receives a cross of ashes on Ash Wednesday outside an Anglican church.]] [[File:Ash_Wednesday_Mass_at_Nazareth_Evangelical_Lutheran_Church.jpg|thumb|upright=1|An Evangelical-Lutheran pastor distributes ashes during the celebration of [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]] ([[Divine Service (Lutheran)|Divine Service]]) on Ash Wednesday.]] The number 40 has many Biblical references: *[[Moses]] spent 40 days on [[Biblical Mount Sinai|Mount Sinai]] with [[God in Christianity|God]]<ref>{{bibleverse||Exodus|24:18|HE}}</ref> *[[Elijah]] spent 40 days and nights walking to [[Mount Horeb]]<ref>{{bibleverse|1|Kings|19:8|HE}}</ref> * God sent 40 days and nights of rain in the great flood of [[Noah]]<ref>{{bibleverse||Genesis|7:4|HE}}</ref> * The Hebrew people wandered 40 years in the desert while traveling to the [[Promised Land]]<ref>{{bibleverse||Numbers|14:33|HE}}</ref> *[[Jonah]]'s prophecy of [[judgment]] gave 40 days to the city of [[Nineveh]] in which to repent or be destroyed<ref>{{bibleverse||Jonah|3:4|HE}}</ref> * Jesus retreated into the wilderness, where He fasted for 40 days, and was [[Temptation of Christ|tempted]] by the [[Devil in Christianity|devil]].<ref>{{bibleverse||Matthew|4:1–2|KJV}}, {{bibleverse||Mark|1:12–13|KJV}}, {{bibleverse||Luke|4:1–2|KJV}})</ref> He overcame all three of Satan's [[temptation]]s by citing scripture to the devil, at which point the devil left him, angels ministered to Jesus, and He began His [[Christian ministry|ministry]]. Jesus further said that His disciples should fast "when the bridegroom shall be taken from them",<ref>{{bibleverse||Matthew|9:15|KJV}}</ref> a reference to his Passion. * It is the traditional belief that Jesus lay for 40 hours in the tomb,<ref name="RC-en-lent-duration" /> which led to the 40 hours of total fasting that preceded the Easter celebration in the [[Early Christianity|early Church]]<ref>Lent & Beyond: Dr. Peter Toon – From Septuagesima to Quadragesima (web site gone, no alternate source found, originally cited 27 August 2010)</ref> (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,<ref>{{Citation | title = Jesus Was Literally Three Days and Three Nights in the Grave | publisher = www.logosapostolic.org| url = http://www.logosapostolic.org/bible_study/RP208-2ThreeDaysNights.htm | access-date = 23 March 2011}}</ref> as well as [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] scholar [[E. W. Bullinger]] in ''The Companion Bible'', believe Christ was in the grave for a total of 72 hours, reflecting the [[Typology (theology)|type]] of Jonah in the belly of the whale.<ref>{{cite news | last =Burke | first= Daniel | title = Just How Long Did Jesus Stay in the Tomb? | publisher = www.huffingtonpost.com | date =13 April 2011 | url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/13/just-how-long-did-jesus-s_n_848872.html | access-date =23 March 2015}}</ref>
One of the most important ceremonies at Easter is the [[baptism]] of the initiates on Easter Eve. The fast was initially undertaken by the [[catechumen]]s 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 [[Religious conversion|converts]] who were to be baptized.{{citation needed|date=March 2016}}
[[Conversion to Christianity|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.<ref name="Hinson1981">{{cite book|last=Hinson|first=E. Glenn|title=The Evangelization of the Roman Empire: Identity and Adaptability|date=1981|publisher=Mercer University Press|language=en|isbn=978-0865540149|quote=Like its parent, Judaism, earliest Christianity had a catechism for its converts, as much recent study has proven. […] Hippolytus required up to three years' instruction before baptism, shortened by a candidate's progress in developing Christian character.}}</ref> 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 [[Asceticism#Christianity|self-renunciation]] were required annually of all Christians, both to show solidarity with the catechumens, and for their own spiritual benefit.{{citation needed|date=March 2016}}
=== Almsgiving === [[Almsgiving#Christianity|Almsgiving]] is one of the three pillars of Lent.<ref name="Cumming2025"/> The money that would normally go towards a luxury (given up as a [[Lenten sacrifice]] during Lent), is donated at church as an [[offering (Christianity)|offering]] towards helping the poor.<ref name="Vanspall2021">{{cite web |last1=Vanspall |first1=Julie |title=The benefits of discipline ... even giving up chocolate |work=The B.C. Catholic |url=https://bccatholic.ca/voices/julie-vanspall/the-benefits-of-discipline-even-giving-up-chocolate |access-date=2 March 2025 |language=en |date=25 February 2021|quote=As a Lenten sacrifice, it can "train" me with a reminder to pray for someone with less, to give the money I would have spent on chocolate to someone in need, and to strive to live in gratitude for Christ's gift of salvation.}}</ref>
=== Prayer and devotion === A common practice is the singing of the [[Stabat Mater]] hymn in designated groups. Among [[Catholic Church in the Philippines|Filipino 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,<ref>{{cite web |title=What Are the Main Worship Services during Lent and Holy Week? |url=https://anglicancompass.com/what-are-the-main-worship-services-during-lent-and-holy-week/ |publisher=Anglican Compass |access-date=13 April 2022 |language=English |date=20 February 2020 |quote=If you are new to Lent, you can go to any Anglican, Lutheran, or Roman Catholic Church on Ash Wednesday. […] Many services on Palm Sunday begin with "the Procession of the Palms," where worshipers hold palm branches as they process into the church.}}</ref> such as the [[Stations of the Cross]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Stations of the Cross to return to Calvary UMC |url=https://www.newstribune.info/story/news/2022/04/12/stations-cross-return-calvary-umc/7282990001/ |publisher=[[Mineral Daily News-Tribune]] |access-date=13 April 2022 |language=English |date=12 April 2022 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> A custom of [[Seven Churches Visitation|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 [[Salvation Army|Salvationist]] traditions, among others.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stations of the Cross Walk returning to Parkersburg |url=https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/community-news/2022/04/stations-of-the-cross-walk-returning-to-parkersburg/ |publisher=[[The Parkersburg News and Sentinel]] |access-date=13 April 2022 |language=English |date=5 April 2022}}</ref>
==== Omission of Gloria and Alleluia ==== The ''[[Gloria in excelsis Deo]]'', which is usually said or sung on Sundays at [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]] (or Communion) of the [[Roman Rite|Roman]], [[Lutheran]], [[Methodist]], and [[Anglicanism|Anglican rites]], is omitted on the Sundays of Lent (as well as Sundays of Advent), but continues in use on [[solemnity|solemnities]] and [[Ranking of liturgical days in the Roman Rite|feasts]] and on special celebrations of a more solemn kind.<ref name="Block2019">{{cite web |last1=Block |first1=Mathew |title="Glory to God in the Highest" - Where Did it Go? |work=International Lutheran Council |url=https://ilc-online.org/2019/12/24/glory-to-god-in-the-highest-where-did-it-go/ |publisher=[[International Lutheran Council]] |access-date=17 March 2021 |language=English |date=24 December 2019}}</ref><ref>[[General Instruction of the Roman Missal]], 53</ref> Some [[Mass (music)|Mass compositions]] were written especially for Lent, such as Michael Haydn's ''[[Missa tempore Quadragesimae (Michael Haydn)|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]].<ref>Roman Missal, Thursday of the Lord's Supper, 7</ref>
The Lutheran [[Divine Service (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,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Why_don't_we_use_alleluias_during_Lent.pdf|title=Why don't we use alleluias during Lent?|year=2013|publisher=[[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]]|language=en|access-date=22 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="Jr.2002">{{cite book|last=Weaver|first=J. Dudley Jr.|title=Presbyterian Worship: A Guide for Clergy|year=2002|publisher=Geneva Press|language=en |isbn=978-0664502188|page=106|quote=The alleluia is traditionally not sung during Lent, and, here at the first service of Easter, it is at last reintroduced to the church's liturgy.}}</ref> 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 (liturgy)|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 (liturgy)|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."<ref name=Thouret/><ref name="RC-en-lent-duration"/><ref name=Initii/>
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 ==== {{more citations needed section|date=February 2021}} [[File:StMartin43-53.JPG|thumb|right|upright=0.9|A [[crucifix]] on the high altar is veiled for Lent. Saint Martin's parish, [[Württemberg]], Germany]] In certain majority-[[Christian state]]s, in which liturgical forms of Christianity predominate, religious objects were traditionally veiled for the entire 40 days of Lent. Though perhaps uncommon{{citation needed|date=March 2024}} in the United States of America,{{relevance inline|date=March 2024}} this practice is consistently observed in [[Goa, India|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 [[Book of Worship for Church and Home (1965)|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]]."<ref>{{cite web|last=Bratcher|first=Dennis|title=The Days of Holy Week|url=http://www.crivoice.org/cyholyweek.html|publisher=CRI|year=2015}}</ref>
=== Vestments === [[File:Chancel on Maundy Thursday.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|The [[chancel]] of a [[Lutheran]] church decorated with red [[parament]]s, the liturgical colour of the last week of Lent, [[Holy Week]], in the Lutheran and Anglican Churches<ref name="Gally1989">{{cite book|last=Gally|first=Howard E.|title=Ceremonies of the Eucharist|year= 1989|publisher=Cowley Publications|language=en|isbn=978-1461660521|page=45|quote=In recent decades there has been a revival of the ancient use of red (crimson or scarlet) for Holy Week among both Episcopalians and Lutherans. The Roman Rite has restored the use of red only on Palm Sunday and Good Friday.}}</ref>]] In the Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and many Anglican churches, pastors and priests wear violet vestments during the season of Lent.<ref name="Escue2000">{{cite web |last1=Escue |first1=Doug |title=The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd |url=http://www.goodshepherdmankato.org/worship/lectionary/liturgyparts/liturgicalcolors/index.html |publisher=Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & School |access-date=17 April 2022 |language=English |date=2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Krohner |first1=Susan |title=Lent |url=https://avonunitedmethodist.com/content.cfm?id=423 |publisher=Memorial United Methodist Church|quote=The liturgical color is violet, except on Good Friday when it is black. You will see the violet on our minister (her stole), on the altar (the paraments), on the banner […]}}</ref> Catholic priests and [[deacon]]s wear white vestments on the solemnities of [[Saint Joseph]] and the [[Feast of the Annunciation]] (19 and 25 March). On the fourth Sunday of Lent, rose-coloured vestments may be worn, if available. Historically, black was also used for Lent: [[Pope Innocent III]] declared black to be the proper colour, though [[Durandus of Saint-Pourçain]] asserted violet was preferable to black.<ref>Kellner, K. A. H. (1908). ''[https://archive.org/details/heortologyhistor00kelluoft/page/430 <!-- quote=black vestments during advent history. --> Heortology: A History of the Christian Festivals from Their Origin to the Present Day]'' Kegan Paul Trench Trubner & Co Limited. p. 430.</ref>
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.<ref>The Church of England rubric states: "The colour for a particular service should reflect the predominant theme. If the Collect, Readings, etc. on a Lesser Festival are those of the saint, then either red (for a martyr) or white is used; otherwise, the colour of the season is retained." See [http://www.churchofengland.org/media/41133/mvlectionary524-591.pdf p. 532 here].</ref> 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 == {{more citations needed section|date=January 2013}} [[File:Ash Wednesday at Keystone United Methodist Church.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|A Methodist minister distributing ashes to [[confirmand]]s kneeling at the [[altar rail|chancel rails]] on Ash Wednesday]] [[File:5208-20080122-1255UTC--jerusalem-calvary.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|[[Church of the Holy Sepulchre]], [[Old Jerusalem]] on [[Golgotha]], [[Mount Calvary]], where tradition claims Jesus was [[Crucifixion|crucified]] and died]]
There are several holy days within the season of Lent: * [[Clean Monday]] is the first day of Lent in [[Eastern Christianity]]. * [[Ash Wednesday]] is the first day of Lent in [[Western Christianity]], such as the [[Roman Rite]] of the 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. *{{anchor|Sun}}Lenten Sundays: ** The first Sunday of Lent marks one of the weeks during which [[Ember days]] are observed in Western Christian churches. **The [[Second Sunday of Lent|second Sunday]] is also known as the Sunday of Transfiguration or Reminiscere Sunday **The third Sunday was traditionally known as ''Oculi Sunday'', reflecting the opening words of the [[Introit]], ''Oculi mei semper ad Dominum'' ("My eyes are ever toward the Lord"), from [[Psalm 25]]:15.<ref>Nuntiatoria, [https://nuntiatoria.org/2026/03/06/quadragesima-sunday-iii-oculi-sunday/ Oculi Sunday: the third Sunday of Lent in the Tridentine Rite], accessed on 8 March 2026</ref> ** The fourth Sunday in Lent, which marks the halfway point between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, is referred to as [[Laetare Sunday]] by Catholics, Anglicans, and many other Christians, because of the traditional Entrance Antiphon of the Mass. Due to the more "joyful" character of the day (since {{lang|la|laetare}} in Latin means rejoice), the priest and deacon 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 "[[Rosalia (festival)#Rose Sundays|Rose Sunday]]"; on this day the [[Pope]] blesses the [[Golden Rose]], a jewel in the shape of a rose. ** 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]]. ** 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.<ref>{{Citation |date=December 2013 | title = OED Online | contribution = spy, ''n''. | contribution-url =http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/188063?redirectedFrom=Spy+Wednesday | publisher = Oxford University Press | quote=Spy Wednesday ''n''. in Irish use, the Wednesday before Easter.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Packer |first=George Nichols |title = Our Calendar: The Julian Calendar and Its Errors, how Corrected by the Gregorian |place = Corning, NY | publisher = [The author] | year = 1893 | page = 112 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=UZA4AQAAMAAJ | access-date = 15 December 2013 | quote = Spy Wednesday, so called in allusion to the betrayal of Christ by Judas, or the day on which he made the bargain to deliver Him into the hands of His enemies for 30 pieces of silver.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=McNichol |first1=Hugh |title=Spy Wednesday conversion to Holy Wednesday |publisher=Catholic Online |year=2014 |url=http://www.catholic.org/featured/headline.php?ID=4225 |access-date=10 May 2014 |ref=none}}</ref> * 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 [[Disciple (Christianity)|disciples]]. * The next day is [[Good Friday]], which begins the Easter Triduum; on this day Christians remember Jesus' [[crucifixion]], death, and burial.
=== Easter Triduum === {{main|Easter Triduum}}
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2014}} In the Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Old 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 [[host (liturgy)|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 [[Gethsemane|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 (Christianity)|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 [[Christian denomination|denomination]] and local [[Convention (norm)|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 == In the [[United Kingdom]], [[BBC]]'s [[BBC Radio 4|Radio Four]] normally broadcasts during Lent a series of programmes called the ''[[Lent Talks]]''.<ref>{{cite web|website=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006xp1x|title=Programmes: Lent Talks}}</ref> These 15-minute programmes are normally broadcast on a Wednesday and have featured various speakers, such as [[Christian apologist]] [[John Lennox]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rzim.eu/john-lennoxs-lent-talk-for-radio-4|title=John Lennox's Lent Talk for Radio 4|last=Lennox|first=John|date=27 March 2012|publisher=[[RZIM]]|language=en|access-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314113608/http://www.rzim.eu/john-lennoxs-lent-talk-for-radio-4|archive-date=14 March 2016}}</ref>
In the [[United States]], popular Catholic Prayer and Meditation App, Hallow, runs prayer events throughout Lent with the current, #Pray40 2025 edition having over 1,000,000 praying together through Lent.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Townend |first1=Matthew |date=6 March 2025 |title=Lent: A Season of Reflection, Sacrifice, and Celebration |work=SALT & Life |url=https://www.be-salt.com/blog/lent-a-season-of-reflection-sacrifice-and-celebration/}}</ref>
==See also== {{Portal|Holidays|Christianity|Islam|Judaism}} <!-- Please keep entries in alphabetical order & add a short description [[WP:SEEALSO]] -->
=== General === {{div col|colwidth=30em|small=yes}} * {{Annotated link |Asceticism}} * {{Annotated link |Penance}} * {{Annotated link |Sacrifice}} {{div col end}}
=== Christianity === {{div col|colwidth=30em|small=yes}} * {{Annotated link |Easter cycle}} * {{Annotated link |Alleluia, dulce carmen}} * {{Annotated link |Fast of Nineveh}} * {{section link|Fasting#Christianity}} — Abstinence or reduced consumption of food and drink * {{Annotated link |People's Sunday}} * {{Annotated link|Quadragesima Sunday}} * {{Annotated link |Quinquagesima}} * {{Annotated link |Prayer before a crucifix}} * {{Annotated link|Saint Michael's Lent}} * {{Annotated link|Refreshment Sunday}} * {{Annotated link|Station days}} * {{Annotated link|Three Sundays of Commemoration}}
{{div col end}}
<!-- please keep entries in alphabetical order -->
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Lent (fasting period)}} {{Wikiquote}} {{Wiktionary|Lent}} *[https://www.lhm.org/lent/ Daily Lenten Devotional – Lutheran Hour Ministries] *[http://www.methodist.org.uk/lentandeaster Methodist Church: Lent and Easter Resources] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406205611/http://www.methodist.org.uk/lentandeaster |date=6 April 2016 }} *[http://www.simplycatholic.com/your-guide-to-a-catholic-lent-everything-you-need-for-a-more-spiritual-lent/ Simply Catholic – Your Guide to a Catholic Lent: Everything You Need for a More Spiritual Lent]
{{Easter}} {{Liturgical year of the Catholic Church}} {{Hymns and songs for Lent and Passiontide}} {{Lutheran Divine Service}} {{Authority control}}
[[Category:Lent| ]] [[Category:Christian terminology]] [[Category:Christian fasting]] [[Category:March observances]]