What is Lent?

Lent is a Christian festival that runs for six weeks leading up to Easter. Lent starts on a day known as Ash Wednesday, which is preceded by Shrove Tuesday. The last week of Lent is known as Holy Week. 

The name ‘Lent’ comes from an Old English term meaning ‘to lengthen’, and it is observed over a period of forty days, spanning six weeks excluding Sundays. In 2026, Lent begins on Wednesday 18 February and ends on Thursday 2 April. 

Lent formally begins on Ash Wednesday, and many Christians around the world will mark this by remembering God’s forgiveness when they say sorry – or repent – for the things they have done wrong in their lives. In some churches, this involves a ceremonial act where a priest takes ash and marks out a cross sign on the forehead of each person. Sometimes the ash is made from burning small crosses made from palm leaves which were waved as part of the church’s previous year’s Lent celebrations.

Ash Wednesday is preceded by Shrove Tuesday, which is also known and celebrated as Pancake Day or Mardi Gras (meaning ‘Fat Tuesday’ in French). Traditionally, this day was an opportunity to use up foods that Christians would fast from during Lent. 

Fasting during Lent

The tradition of fasting relates to self-discipline and spiritual focus. There is a story recorded in the Bible about Jesus journeying in the wilderness as a young adult, before his earthly ministry formally started.

In the wilderness, Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights in deep prayer to God. In his physical hunger, Jesus was visited by the Devil who tried to tempt him, but Jesus resisted. 

For Christians, Lent provides an opportunity to remember the story of Jesus fasting in the wilderness and resisting temptation. In remembrance of Jesus, and as a personal spiritual discipline, some Christians choose to give something up during Lent.  

Traditionally, people would have fasted from certain foods such as fats, meat, fish and eggs. Today, it is typical to give up more indulgent foods like chocolate or crisps, or to refrain from particular activities such as using social media or watching television. Others, still, choose to take up a challenge that will add positive value to their lives and those around them through intentional acts of kindness and encouragement. 

What does Lent mean to Christians?

Lent is a sacred season in the Christian calendar marked by prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal. In addition to fasting, many Christians will read the Bible alongside a special guide to study, to pray and to realign their lives with God’s purpose. 

As a season marked by repentance and forgiveness, Lent encourages Christians to recognise areas in their lives that need healing or change, offering a powerful opportunity for inner growth and renewed commitment. 

At its heart, the significance of Lent lies in preparing Christians for the joy and hope of Easter. By engaging in acts of self-denial, believers are invited to experience the themes of sacrifice, redemption and grace in a meaningful way. 

The journey towards Easter

The final week of Lent is known as Holy Week – a meaningful time when Christians remember the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection.  As Holy Week unfolds, Christians pause to reflect on several significant days. 

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, the day Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey and crowds welcomed him with joy. Holy Wednesday recalls the moment when Judas agreed to betray Jesus. Maundy Thursday remembers Jesus sharing a final, intimate meal with his followers before being arrested. 

Good Friday marks the day Jesus was executed. But the story of Jesus does not end in sadness: on Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate Jesus rising from the dead, a day filled with hope, joy and the promise of life in all its fullness.