What is Lent?

Lent is a period of 40 days before Easter that is reserved for fasting and reflection. It starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, which is the day before Easter Sunday. It is observed across the whole of Christianity, and it follows the journey Jesus took in the final days before, and during, his crucifixion and resurrection.

When Does Lent Start?

In 2021, Lent will begin on Wednesday the 17th of February.

When Does Lent End?

This year, Lent ends on Saturday the 3rd of April.

How Long is Lent?

Lent lasts for approximately six weeks every year.

What to Give Up for Lent?

There is no hard-and-fast rule of what to give up for Lent. Some people give up chocolate, some social media.

A useful approach is to look at what occupies your mind and discern if anything there feels more like a distraction than a healthy interest. If you spend all day thinking about junk food when you’d rather be focussed on God, then junk food would be a good thing to give up for Lent.

What does Lent mean?

Lent is a shortening of the word Lenten, which comes from the Old English word lenctenwhich means springtime, as well as the old German word langitinaz, which means "lengthening of the day". Lent is the period of the year where, as the days grow longer and lighter, we look to Christ who himself is “the light of the world” (John 8:12).

If you are looking to focus more and have a Lent well spent, take a look at our guide to New Lent Studies for 2021 as well as our Lent Store.