Lent is a yearly time of reflection, repentance and fasting before the celebration of Easter. Christians remember how their saviour Jesus Christ resisted temptation from the devil while crossing the desert for 40 days.
It is during this time that Christians often go without their luxuries such as food or alcohol and dedicate more of their time to self reflection and bible study.
If you've ever found yourself asking questions about why we have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday or what actually happens on Ash Wednesday at the start of Lent, then don't worry. We've got all the answers for you below.
What is Lent and when does it begin?
Lent is the Christian season of spiritual preparation before Easter. In Western churches, it begins on Ash Wednesday.
During Lent, many Christians observe a period of fasting, repentance and reflection. Forms of fasting include food, drink or other vices. It's used to remember how Jesus resisted temptation from the devil while crossing the desert for 40 days.
Roman Catholics must fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Wednesday, February 22, 2023 and Good Friday, April 7, 2023. Additionally, they must abstain from meat on all Fridays during Lent.
As mentioned Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent and as you may have noticed before Ash Wednesday is Shrove Tuesday which you may know as Pancake Day.
Why are pancakes eaten on Shrove Tuesday?
The day before Ash Wednesday, known as Shrove Tuesday, is traditionally a day of celebration before the fasting begins. This includes eating fatty foods, which has also led the day to be called Fat Tuesday -- which in French translates to "Mardi Gras."
Well, Shrove Tuesday was often the last opportunity for people to clear their cupboards of things like eggs, milk and sugar before lent begins. Pancakes became one of the easiest ways to use up these ingredients before the fasting season began.
What happens on Ash Wednesday?
On Ash Wednesday, priests gather ashes from Palm Sunday the previous year and rub them on congregants' foreheads.
They do this while citing Genesis 3:19: "For you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
Many decide then to ‘give something up’ for Lent.
Do you have to give something up for Lent?
No, not necessarily, the focus of the season should be on spiritual growth and your connection with God. Oftentimes Christians choose to take on something during this time, like reading more of the Bible or completing daily devotions.
Of course, fasting is a traditional part of Lent, but not everyone does it. Its purpose is to symbolise penance and remorse for one's sins. This can also be done by giving up a luxury or by completing acts of charity.
What religions celebrate Lent?
Lent is practiced by most Christian groups, it is observed by many faiths in the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Moravian, Oriental Orthodox, Persian, United Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions.
When does Lent finish this year?
Lent ends three days before Easter Sunday on Thursday, April 6, 2023 . The week before Easter Sunday is called Holy Week and it is a big deal in the Christian church.
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus's arrival in Jerusalem, where he received palm branches at his feet.
Then comes Holy Wednesday, which acknowledges Judas's plan to betray Jesus. The day after Holy Wednesday is Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper between Jesus and his disciples. Maundy Thursday is the last day of Lent.
While Lent officially ends on Holy Thursday, most Christians break their fast on Easter Sunday.
