Holy Days - Lent
What
is Lent?Lent is a Christian Festival.
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Lent
is the time when Christians prepare for Easter by thinking of things
they have done wrong.
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The forty days (not counting Sundays) before Easter is known as Lent.
The weeks of Lent were once the time when new Christians, who were to be baptized on Easter Eve, were taught about the Christian faith and life. Those who had already been baptized thought again about the promises they had once made and promise to be true to them. Lent was a time for spring-cleaning lives, as well as homes. copyright of projectbritain.com
When does Lent begin?
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, the day after Pancake Day and , six and a half weeks before Easter Day. The last week of Lent begins with Palm Sunday, which celebrates the day Jesus entered Jerusalem and the people lay down palms at his feet.
When does Lent end? When is Lent over?
Lent lasts for 40 days and ends the day before Easter Sunday, which is known as Holy Saturday. Sundays are not counted in the forty days.
In the Roman Catholic Church, Lent officially ends at sundown on Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), with the beginning of the mass of the Lord's Supper.
Why does Lent last for 40 days?
The 40 days mark the 40 years of the Israelites going through the desert and the traditional 40 days of Jesus fasting in the desert.
Why are Sundays not counted in the 40 days?
Sundays are always a day of celebration in the Christian church and so they cannot be included in the 40 days of Lent. Sundays commemorate the Resurrection.
What happens during Lent?
Fasting
During Lent, Christians used to fast
(give up food) but now a days some people try to give up their favourite food,
such as chocolate, and not giving into temptation. Others might give up all
dairy products. The Orthodox Church keeps Lent more strictly and people
give up both meat and dairy products.
Lent is a time when Christians remember the 40 days and nights Jesus spent alone in the desert without food being tempted by the Devil. Jesus used this time to prepare for His work by fasting and praying.
Bible Study
Many churches hold special Lent services. In some towns the churches of different
denominations join together in groups to discuss and share their Christian
faith.
