Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by many Christians in preparation for Easter. This represents the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert before starting his public ministry.
During Lent, many believers give up certain luxuries — such as sweets, specific foods, social media or alcohol — as a form of self-discipline. Others take on new spiritual practices, like daily prayer or acts of charity. Sundays are not traditionally counted in the 40 days, as they are considered days of celebration rather than fasting.
During Ash Wednesday, ashes are placed on a worshipper’s forehead in the shape of the cross. This represents that a person belongs to Jesus Christ and that a person is grieving and mourning for their sins.
Those observing Lent typically refrain from eating flesh meat on Ash Wednesday and each Friday of Lent. Flesh meat includes beef, pork, chicken and turkey. Fish are not considered flesh meat, so many will replace flesh meat with fish for Friday meals. This is done to honor Jesus sacrificing his flesh on Good Friday. Fasting during Lent represents the fasting Jesus did while in the desert.
Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. It is also called Resurrection Sunday and is celebrated as the day Jesus was resurrected from the dead.
Enjoy this discussion on the history of Lent from the Museum of the Bible
This year, Easter Sunday is April 20, 2025.
