The season of Lent is a period of 40 days (excluding Sundays) of fasting, prayer, and penance observed by many Christian denominations, especially in preparation for Easter. The dates of Lent vary each year because they depend on the date of Easter, which is calculated based on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
Here are the key details about when Lent begins and ends:
1. When Does Lent Begin?
- Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
- Ash Wednesday is 46 days before Easter (40 days of fasting, plus 6 Sundays that are not counted as fasting days).
- In 2025, Ash Wednesday will be February 26.
2. When Does Lent End?
- Lent ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.
- This marks the conclusion of the 40 days of fasting and penance.
- In 2025, Easter Sunday will fall on April 20, so Lent will end on April 19, 2025.
3. Key Dates of Lent (2025 Example):
- Ash Wednesday: February 26, 2025
- Palm Sunday: April 13, 2025 (the Sunday before Easter, marking the beginning of Holy Week)
- Good Friday: April 18, 2025 (commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus)
- Holy Saturday: April 19, 2025 (the final day of Lent)
- Easter Sunday: April 20, 2025 (celebrating the resurrection of Jesus)
Lenten Observance:
- Lent lasts 40 days, excluding Sundays, and is a time for Christians to engage in self-reflection, repentance, prayer, and penance. Many choose to give up certain foods or habits as a form of fasting or sacrifice, while others may take on acts of service or devotion.
- The 40 days recall the time that Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry (according to the Gospels). It also mirrors the 40 years that the Israelites spent in the wilderness.
Summary of the Timeline:
- Start: Ash Wednesday (46 days before Easter)
- End: Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday (Easter marks the end of the Lenten season)
Would you like to know more about Lenten traditions or how Lent is observed in different Christian denominations?