LENT is a time where people make sacrifices in order to test their self-discipline.
Here, we look at the history behind this tradition, and when it starts.
What is Lent?
Lent is the six and a half week period leading up to Easter Sunday.
It is always referred to as the 40 days of Lent but the actual length is 46 days – however, 40 of these are fasting days and six are Sundays.
Sundays in Lent are not counted in the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter".
The period of Lent is seen as a time of solemn observance and preparation for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter.
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From its start on Ash Wednesday until its official conclusion on Maundy Thursday, Lent has been a traditional time for fasting, giving something up, or abstinence.
Lent is an old English word meaning "lengthen".
It is often called the Lenten season, which refers to the season of spring, when the days begin to get longer.
When does Lent start in 2023?
The period starts on Wednesday, February 22, in 2023.
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The first day of Lent is known as Ash Wednesday, and always falls on a Wednesday.
The date however is dependent on where Easter falls.
When does Lent end in 2023?
It ends on April 6, 2023.
The last day of Lent is known as Maundy Thursday.
The final day of Holy Week is Easter, when believers acknowledge that Jesus rose from his tomb.
Why do we give things up during Lent?
Millions of people do this during Lent as a sign of sacrifice and to test their self-discipline.
Christians believe that this is to represent Jesus Christ's sacrifice when he went into the desert to pray and fast for the 40 days before later dying on the cross.
Traditionally, Christians would fast during the 40 days of Lent, meaning they would have only one full meal a day and two small snacks.
However, nowadays Christians, and non-believers, choose to abstain from something in particular – like a food item or luxury like chocolate, cakes or caffeine, or a particular habit like drinking or smoking.
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In today’s technological age, others choose to give up social media or even using their phones.
Lent is also celebrated in prayer and reflection and is a time to be quiet and thoughtful before Easter.
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