THE MEANING OF LENT
Lent is a period of approximately six weeks of solemnity and self-reflection for Christians, leading up to Easter. It is a time to confess failings and resolve to live a more godly life based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Lent is a time for repentance, reflection and spiritual rededication. This often involves fasting or giving up certain foods or activities. It may also include increased devotion to spiritual activities such as studying scripture, prayer, giving to charity or reading devotional works. The start date of Lent was set in AD 601. Pope Gregory moved the start of Lent to 46 days before Easter and established Ash Wednesday at the same time.
Lent lasts for 40 days, mirroring the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. However, it is celebrated over 46 days because Sundays are considered ‘mini Easters’ and are not counted as part of the 40-day Lenten observance. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday for Catholics and Protestants. For Catholics, Lent formally concludes on Maundy Thursday evening, though fasting lasts until Holy Saturday. Orthodox churches observe Great Lent, which starts on Clean Monday. Observance for Eastern Orthodox churches doesn’t conclude until Easter Sunday morning.
The 40-day period of Lent mirrors several key biblical events. These include:
- The Flood: God sent rain for 40 days and nights when Noah and his family entered the ark (Genesis 7:4)
- Moses on Mount Sinai: Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai receiving instructions from God (Exodus 24:18)
- Elijah’s journey: Elijah travelled for 40 days and nights to Mount Horeb when fleeing Jezebel’s wrath (1 Kings 19:8)
- Jesus in the desert: Primarily, the 40 days of Lent are connected to the time Jesus spent in the desert fasting, praying, and being tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1–11)
Shrove Tuesday.
Shrove Tuesday—also known as Fat Tuesday or Pancake Day—is the day before Ash Wednesday and the official countdown to Lent. It’s the last day before the season of fasting and reflection begins, so traditionally, Christians have used it as a time to confess sins, seek absolution, and prepare their hearts for Lent. Some churches also burn the previous year’s Palm Sunday branches to create the ashes for Ash Wednesday.
The roots of Fat Tuesday or Pancake Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, trace back to ancient pagan celebrations focused on fertility and the arrival of spring. These festivities were characterised by unrestrained indulgences in various pleasures. As Christianity gained influence in Rome, there was a concerted effort to Christianise existing pagan traditions, including the incorporation of Fat Tuesday into Christian practices. This transition aimed to channel the exuberance of the pagan festivals towards preparing for the solemn period of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday and entails fasting and spiritual reflection.
Ash Wednesday
Many Christians attend church on Ash Wednesday to seek forgiveness from God. In some churches, a priest marks a cross on each person’s forehead with ash as a symbol of remorse. The ashes are traditionally made from burning palm crosses distributed on Palm Sunday the year before. The liturgical use of ashes can be seen in the Old Testament, where they denote mourning, mortality and penance.
Holy Week:
The last week of Lent is Holy Week, commemorating the final days before Jesus’ execution. It begins with Palm Sunday and includes Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Lent ends with Easter Sunday, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection
