Lent is—above all else—a time of reflection on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice, and seek to grow in their relationship with God. The Lenten season serves as a time of repentance, self-examination, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the joyous celebration of Easter. The word “Lent” comes from the word “lecten” which is Anglo-Saxon meaning “spring” and refers to the lengthening of days.
During the Lenten season, Christians engage in various traditional rituals and practices as a way of preparing spiritually for Easter. Fasting or giving up certain activities or habits is common as a form of self-discipline and spiritual reflection. In recent years, a practice has arisen of doing something you don’t normally do, like volunteering at church or a local ministry, making meaningful connections, or practicing certain spiritual disciplines.
When does Lent start and how long does it last?
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which falls this year on February 18, 2026. It is 40-days long and begins 46 days before the Saturday of Easter weekend. Lent is only observed Monday through Saturday week because every Sunday is considered a celebration of the Resurrection. The 40-day duration is symbolic and represents the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry, and also the 40 years of the Israelites Exodus in the wilderness, after being freed from slavery in Egypt.
What is Ash Wednesday?
On Ash Wednesday, worshippers attend a special church service where they receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. The imposition of ashes is accompanied by the words “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” or a similar expression emphasizing mortality and repentance.
Why Does the Date of Lent Change?
The date of Lent changes every year because it follows the church calendar, which is based on the moon’s lunar cycle. Easter Sunday, which celebrates Jesus’ resurrection, is held on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring. This means Easter can happen anytime between March 22nd and April 25th. This was set at the Council of Nicaea in 325AD to keep it in line with the Jewish Passover and the biblical timeline of Jesus’ resurrection.
When is Fat Tuesday and what is it?
Fat Tuesday (in French, Madri Gras) is on February 17th, 2026, the day before Ash Wednesday and gets its name because it traditionally marks the last day of indulgence and feasting before the 40 days of Lent. It’s also known as Shrove Tuesday, coming from the an Old English word “shrive,” which means to confess one’s sins and receive absolution.