Lent is a period of 40 days of fasting, reflection, and penance observed by Christians in preparation for Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.
Lent is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "lencten," which means "spring." It has been observed since the early days of the Christian church and is based on the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness.
During Lent, Christians often give up something as a form of fasting or self-denial, such as certain foods or activities. They also engage in prayer, repentance, and acts of charity.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. It is a day of fasting and repentance, and many Christians attend church services where they receive ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of mortality and penitence.
Here are some key points to remember about Lent: