What is Lent and why is it celebrated? This year like every year it began on Ash Wednesday which was the 6th of March and it ends on Thursday 18th March.
Lent is a period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Lent is a time for many to reflect and prepare for the upcoming celebration of Easter.
Many Christians try to replicate Jesus Christ’s time in the desert for 40 days and the sacrifices made by Him for us whilst being tempted by Satan. Lent is often marked and also associated with fasting which has over the years become less popular.
As during the 21st century Lent is used more as a time for prayer as well as penance and reflection, and only a small amount of people today fast throughout the entirety of Lent. But some do maintain fasting on certain days of Lent such as Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. More people now prefer and choose to possibly give up something during the period of Lent or to do something for either themselves such as task or a good deed to help someone else.
But why is Lent called Lent? This is because Lent is an old word which means ‘lengthen.’ Lent takes place during spring which is when the days get longer, therefore being known as Lent.
By Josephine Felix
