Many Christians have heard of Lent, but do all know what it means? Is it really just a time of giving up chocolate or social media?
What is Lent?
Lent is the 40-day period leading up to Easter, (excluding Sundays) that starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.
The 40 days of Lent involve fasting, prayer, and almsgiving as a way to connect deeper with God. Commonly observed by Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some Protestant churches, many use the 40 days of Lent as a time of personal reflection to prepare your heart and mind for Good Friday and Easter.
The origin of the word Lent comes from the “Old English lencten springtime, spring” and “from West Germanic langitinaz long-days or lengthening of the day.”
What is Ash Wednesday?
Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. Traditionally, it’s a time for confession, repentance, and feasting before the fasting season. The name “Shrove” comes from the Old English word shriven, meaning to confess sins and receive absolution.
Lent starts with Ash Wednesday, the day when you might see people with a cross of ashes on their foreheads. These ashes are a reminder of our need for repentance and the reality of our human frailty. The ash marks symbolize sorrow and mourning over sin. The Biblical support for this observation comes from the following verses:
Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes (Daniel 9:3).
There was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:3).
What are Other Key Dates of Lent?
Palm Sunday is the last Sunday of Lent and begins the time of Lent known as the Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter and the final days of Jesus’ life. Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, when people welcomed Him with palm branches, recognizing Him as their King.
Maundy Thursday of Holy Week remembers the Last Supper, when Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples and demonstrated humility by washing their feet.
Good Friday is a solemn day that commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion and His ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Despite its sorrowful events, it’s called “Good” because of the redemption Jesus secured for us.
Holy Saturday is a day of quiet reflection, as we remember Jesus’ time in the tomb and anticipate the joy of what’s to come. Finally, Easter Sunday bursts forth with celebration: Jesus is alive! His resurrection offers us hope, new life, and the promise of eternity with Him.
When Does Lent Start in 2026?
Lent begins each year on Ash Wednesday and is 46 days before Easter Sunday. This year, Lent will begin on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, and you are following the 40-day tradition, Lent will end on Holy Saturday, April 4th, 2026.
To Christians, Lent is meant to be a time of repentance. These 40 days are set aside to praise and worship the Lord; to read the Bible more, and to pray more often. Christians who observe Lent correctly anticipate deeper intimacy with the Lord.
Many Christians have heard of Lent, but do all know what it means? Is it really just a time of giving up chocolate or social media?
As many Christians mark the beginning of Lent this year on Wednesday, February 18th, known as Ash Wednesday, it’s important to know the real purpose and meaning to the 40 days of Lent.
Lent is the 40-day period leading up to Easter, (excluding Sundays) that starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.
The 40 days of Lent involve fasting, prayer, and almsgiving as a way to connect deeper with God. Commonly observed by Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some Protestant churches, many use the 40 days of Lent as a time of personal reflection to prepare your heart and mind for Good Friday and Easter.
The origin of the word Lent comes from the “Old English lencten springtime, spring” and “from West Germanic langitinaz long-days or lengthening of the day.”
Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. Traditionally, it’s a time for confession, repentance, and feasting before the fasting season. The name “Shrove” comes from the Old English word shriven, meaning to confess sins and receive absolution.
Lent starts with Ash Wednesday, the day when you might see people with a cross of ashes on their foreheads. These ashes are a reminder of our need for repentance and the reality of our human frailty. The ash marks symbolize sorrow and mourning over sin. The Biblical support for this observation comes from the following verses:
Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes (Daniel 9:3).
There was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:3).
Many Christians have heard of Lent, but do all know what it means? Is it really just a time of giving up chocolate or social media?
