Millions of Christians across the world observe Lent, a sacred 40-day period of prayer, fasting, reflection and self-discipline that leads up to Easter, the most important celebration in Christianity. The season begins on Ash Wednesday and recalls the time when Jesus Christ fasted in the wilderness before starting his public ministry.
The term Lent comes from the Old English word “lencten,” meaning spring, symbolising renewal, repentance and spiritual growth.
When Is Lent in 2026?
In 2026, Lent is observed from Wednesday, February 18, to Thursday, April 2, in the Western Christian calendar.
📅 Key Lenten Dates 2026
- Ash Wednesday: February 18
- Palm Sunday: March 29
- Maundy Thursday: April 2
- Good Friday: April 3
- Holy Saturday: April 4
🕊️ Eastern Orthodox Lent 2026
The above dates do not apply to Eastern Orthodox churches, which follow the Julian calendar.
- Great Lent begins: February 23, 2026
- Great Lent ends: April 11, 2026
What Is Lent and Why Is It Observed?
Lent commemorates the 40 days and nights Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness. The number 40 holds deep biblical significance and appears repeatedly in scripture, including:
- 40 days of rain during Noah’s flood
- 40 days Moses spent on Mount Sinai
- 40 days Elijah journeyed to the mountain of God
Christians observe Lent as a time to repent, renew faith, and prepare spiritually for Easter.
Origin and History of Lent
The roots of Lent trace back to the earliest centuries of Christianity. According to early church historian Eusebius, Christians initially fasted for one or two days before Easter.
After Christianity was legalized in A.D. 313, the observance gradually expanded into a formal 40-day season of prayer and fasting.
In A.D. 325, church leaders at the Council of Nicaea acknowledged a preparatory period before Easter, though participation was not mandatory.
Later, in A.D. 601, Pope Gregory I formally established Lent as a 46-day season, allowing for 40 fasting days while excluding Sundays, which are traditionally feast days.
Why Ash Wednesday Is Important
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent in Western Christianity. On this day, worshippers receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads as a reminder of:
- Human mortality
- Repentance
- Humility before God
The use of ashes dates back to Old Testament practices, where ashes symbolised sorrow and repentance.
Holy Week Explained
The final week of Lent is known as Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
✝️ Holy Week Includes:
- Palm Sunday – Jesus’ triumphal entry
- Maundy Thursday – The Last Supper
- Good Friday – Crucifixion of Jesus
- Holy Saturday – Jesus laid in the tomb
While Lent technically ends on Maundy Thursday evening, the spiritual focus continues until Easter Sunday, which begins a 50-day Easter celebration period.
Who Observes Lent Today?
Lent is observed by many Christian denominations, including:
- Roman Catholics
- Eastern Orthodox Christians
- Anglicans & Episcopalians
- Lutherans
- Methodists
- Presbyterians
Lent Fasting Rules and Practices
Fasting rules have evolved over time. In earlier centuries, Christians abstained from all animal products and ate only one meal per day.
🍽️ Modern Lenten Practices May Include:
- Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
- Abstaining from meat on Fridays
- Giving up habits or luxuries (social media, sweets, alcohol)
- Increasing prayer, scripture reading or charity work
Some believers choose to add positive practices rather than give something up, focusing on spiritual discipline and service.
Why Lent Still Matters
Despite changes in traditions, the core purpose of Lent remains unchanged:
👉 reflection
👉 repentance
👉 spiritual renewal
For millions of Christians, Lent continues to serve as a meaningful journey toward Easter, encouraging deeper faith and personal transformation.
