LENT comes around every year, as a time where Christians prepare for Easter.
Here is some more on the observance of Lent, and how it started.
When does Lent end?
The Lent fast is a Christian tradition but many non-believers also take part.
On Ash Wednesday, which is Wednesday, February 22, this year, people over the globe give up certain foods or habits to improve their health or demonstrate self-restraint.
Lent ends three days before Easter Sunday on Thursday, April 6, 2023.
The final day of Holy Week is Easter, when believers acknowledge that Jesus rose from his tomb.
How long does Lent last?
For Christians Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter.
It is treated as a time where they can "Clean their soul".
It lasts for 40 days until Easter, but this is without Sundays being included in the amount (if they were counted it would be 46 days).
The Lent period reflects when Jesus fasted and suffered in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, before he started his ministry.
According to the Bible, he was tempted by Satan during this time, but each time he managed to refuse his temptations.
People follow Jesus’ example and give up vices in a bid to grow closer to God as Easter approaches.
Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day occurs the day before Lent begins, symbolising when Christians would eat up foods such as milk and eggs before fasting.
Where does the tradition of fasting come from?
Lent and fasting go hand in hand for many in the Christian church.
Many followers abstain from certain food or temptations, following Jesus’ 40-day fast in the desert in preparation for his public ministry.
Fasting has been practiced for centuries within a number of religions and culture, and is featured within Jewish culture in the Old Testament.
For example, Queen Esther asks the Jewish nation to come together in prayer and fasting, and Christians often combine the two practices nowadays.
Lent does not require total fasting but can be implemented as specifically or as generally as you want – some people might say no alcohol at all while others choose no white wine.
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