We explain what Lent is for Christianity, its meaning, origin and symbols. Also, start and end dates.
What is Lent?
Lent is known as a liturgical time established in the Christian calendar and celebrated by the Catholic, Coptic, Orthodox, Anglican and many Protestant Churches (although in their own way). This period consists of a time of penitence and spiritual preparation for Easter, which takes place during its 40 previous days (hence its name, coming from the Latin quadragesima).
Lent always begins every Ash Wednesday, after Shrove Tuesday. On Ash Wednesday, the rite of anointing the faithful with a cross of ashes on their foreheads is carried out in churches, a gesture that symbolizes the purging of the sins of the previous year. You must read about Clergy once.
Similarly, it ends every Holy Thursday evening, three days before Easter Sunday, the date on which the last supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples and the washing of his feet by the hands of the prophet are commemorated.
The duration of Lent obeys different biblical and Christian references, such as the 40 days that Jesus Christ spent in the Judean Desert, before undertaking his public mission, but also the 40 days of the universal flood, the 40 years of the march of the people of Israel and the 40 decades of slavery of the Hebrews in Egypt.
Lent is not a time of anguish, however, but of contemplation and reflection. Depending on the churches that celebrate it, it is usually commemorated with masses and prayers, as well as fasting from dawn to night, during Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, or during the 40 consecutive days, in its strictest versions.
Meat, eggs, butter and fish are not usually eaten, and in some churches wine and oil are also prohibited. In some cases, abstinence and seclusion are also practiced, although in most Western churches the penitential aspect of Lent has become increasingly lax. Maybe you should definitely read about Volleyball once.
Origin of Lent
There are indications that Lent began to be celebrated around the 2nd century or early 3rd century, but in the 4th century it became an official ecclesiastical practice, even though it was not part of the First Council of Nicaea in 325.
It was strictly practiced by candidates for baptism and by those whose sins caused them to lose their place in communion. At that time they had to grieve and repent, wearing rags and being sprinkled with ashes. But this tradition died around the 9th century, being replaced by the common celebration of the faithful that we know today.
However, throughout its history Lent underwent many modifications by the Church. For example, the Sundays of the Lenten fast were removed, as they were traditionally days of celebration, dedicated to the commemoration of the Lord; and to maintain the figure of 40 days, four more days were then added before the first Sunday.
Symbols of Lent
Lent has various symbols associated with it, some of which have already been mentioned.
- The cross of ashes: It represents the “burning” or purging of the sins prior to Lent, so that the parishioner is ready and clean for baptism and the meeting with Christ.
- The purple color: This is the color of the Nazarene, that is, the color of the tunics that Jesus Christ wore during his ordeal, and therefore it is associated with penitence and suffering. It is used except on the fourth Sunday, when it is replaced by pink, and on Palm Sunday, when it is replaced by red.
- The cross: The universal symbol of Christianity, takes on even greater importance during Lent, since it is the advent of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem (an event that is commemorated during Easter).
When does Lent begin and when does it end?
As stated before, Lent begins every Ash Wednesday and ends every Holy Thursday evening. According to the current calendar, in the coming years these dates will be:
- In 2021, Lent begins on Wednesday, February 17 and ends on Thursday, April 1.
- In 2022, Lent begins on Wednesday, March 2 and ends on Thursday, April 14.
- In 2023, Lent begins on Wednesday, February 22 and ends on Thursday, April 6.
- In 2024, Lent begins on Wednesday, February 14 and ends on Thursday, March 28.
- In 2025, Lent begins on Wednesday, March 5 and ends on Thursday, April 17.
- In 2026, Lent begins on Wednesday, February 18 and ends on Thursday, April 2.
- In 2027, Lent begins on Wednesday, February 10 and ends on Thursday, March 25.
- In 2028, Lent begins on Wednesday, February 17 and ends on Thursday, April 1.
- In 2029, Lent begins on Wednesday, February 14 and ends on Thursday, March 29.
- In 2030, Lent begins on Wednesday, March 6 and ends on Thursday, April 18.
- In 2031, Lent begins on Wednesday, February 26 and ends on Thursday, April 10.
References
All the information we offer is supported by authorized and updated bibliographic sources, which ensure reliable content in line with our editorial principles.
- “Lent” on Wikipedia.
- “Why does Lent last 40 days?” on National Geographic.
- “What is Lent and since when is it practiced?” in Infobae (Argentina).
- “Lent” in The Encyclopaedia Britannica.
