Lent

Lent, period of fasting, penitence, and self-denial traditionally observed by Christians in preparation for Easter.

The date of Lent varies each year according to the date of Easter. In Western Christianity, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter. Thus, for Western churches, Lent may begin as early as February 4 or as late as March 10. It ends on Holy Saturday, the last day of Holy Week, which immediately precedes Easter Sunday. The fasting period lasts 40 days (Sundays are excluded).

Originally, meat, fish, milk, cheese, and eggs were forbidden during Lent. However, in recent years the Roman Catholic Church has relaxed its laws on fasting. According to an apostolic constitution issued by Pope Paul VI in February 1966, fasting during Lent is obligatory only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On these days Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 may eat only one full meal. Catholics age 14 or older are required to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and each Friday during Lent. Fasting practices vary widely among other Christian denominations and between individuals. Common practices include abstaining from meat, eating only one full meal each day, and fasting entirely one day each week.

Among many Christians today, Lent is a time for doing penance by praying, studying the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, refraining from sin, and giving time or money to charities. Many give up something pleasurable during Lent, such as television, a favorite food, coffee, alcohol, or dining out.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Lenten season before Easter is generally called Great Lent because it is the most important of the four Lenten seasons observed by Orthodox Christians. Abstention from meat begins one week before Great Lent. Great Lent officially begins on Clean Monday, the Monday of the seventh week before Easter. Thus, Great Lent may begin as early as February 15 and as late as March 21. On the first day of Great Lent, Orthodox Christians begin a stricter fast that excludes meat and dairy products, eggs, fish, wine, and oil; relaxed fasting rules are followed on Saturdays and Sundays. Great Lent ends after 40 days on the eve of Lazarus Saturday, the second Saturday before Easter. However, fasting continues through Holy Week until Easter Sunday.