The Festival of Lent 2012

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Lent begins on Wednesday 22 February 2012

What is Lent?

The forty days (not counting Sundays) before Easter is known as Lent. This is the time of year in England when the days begin to lengthen with the coming of Spring.

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.

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.

In 2010 Ash Wednesday will be on 17 February.

2009 — 25 February 2010 — 17 February 2011 — 9 March 2012 — 22 February 2013 — 13 February

2014 — 5 March 2015 — 18 February 2016 — 10 February 2017 — 29 February 2018 — 14 February

When does Lent end?  

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. (Find out why further down the page.)

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.

What happens during Lent?

During Lent Christians used to fast (give up food) but now a days people try to give up something like chocolate. 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.

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.

There are many special days in Lent leading up to Easter, the most important of all Christian festivals.

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