10 Fascinating Facts About Lent You Probably Didn’t Know

March 5, 2025 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

Lent is one of the most significant seasons in the Christian calendar, observed by millions worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. It begins on Ash Wednesday and leads up to Easter, commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. While many people associate Lent with giving up certain foods or habits, its history and traditions are much deeper and richer than that. Here are 10 fascinating facts about Lent that you may not know.

1. Lent Lasts 40 Days (Not Including Sundays)

Lent is observed for 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter by Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and some Protestant churches. However, since Sundays aren’t included in the count, Lent lasts 46 days in total.

2. Lent Was Originally Only 36 Days

When Lent first began, it was only 36 days long. Later, it was extended to 40 days to align with biblical symbolism.

3. The Significance of 40 Days

The number 40 holds special meaning in Christianity. Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert, Noah waited 40 days for his ark to float, and Moses and the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before reaching the Promised Land.

4. Lent Began in the 4th Century

The practice of Lent started around the year 325 during the Council of Nicea and has been observed for centuries by many Christian denominations, including Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, and Western Orthodox churches.

5. The Word “Lent” Means Springtime

The term “Lent” comes from the Middle English word lente, meaning “springtime,” which is fitting since Lent occurs in the weeks leading up to Easter in the spring.

6. Ash Wednesday Marks the Beginning of Lent

Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, when Christians attend services where clergy mark their foreheads with a cross made of ashes. These ashes come from burning the previous year’s Palm Sunday palms and symbolise repentance before God.

7. Fasting and Abstinence Are Central Traditions

Traditionally, Lent involves fasting and abstinence. In the Roman Catholic Church, this includes not eating meat on Fridays. Many Catholics now eat fish on these days, which is why fast-food restaurants often have fish sandwich promotions during Lent.

8. Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) Is the Last Feast Before Lent

The day before Lent begins, known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, is a time of feasting and celebration. People indulge in food and festivities before the fasting and self-discipline of Lent begin.

9. Lent Encourages Prayer, Charity, and Sacrifice

In addition to fasting, Lent is a time for increased prayer, giving to charity, and self-discipline. Many Christians give up personal indulgences such as chocolate, TV, or social media to focus on spiritual growth.

10. Lent Ends on Maundy Thursday, Not Easter

While many assume Lent ends on Easter, it concludes on Maundy Thursday, the day of Jesus’s Last Supper. Good Friday marks Jesus’ crucifixion, and Easter Sunday celebrates his resurrection.

Content Credit| Agbetan Bisola

Picture Credit | https://stories.svdmissions.org/