The Christian season of Lent is well underway, after beginning last month. Christians worldwide should have become comfortable with the sacrifices they have chosen to observe during this period.
Lent traditionally lasts 40 days in the Western Christian calendar, not including Sundays. However, the total period from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday is 46 days, because Sundays are not counted in the fasting observance.
New converts to Christianity will thus naturally ask themselves, does that mean anything goes on Sundays in Lent? The Catholic Church (it is generally true that Lent is more important to Catholics than Protestants and other branches of the Christian faith) advises that Sundays are not prescribed as days of fasting and abstinence, so those finding self-denial irksome can take a day off from it.
However, the more devout may wish to treat Sunday as any other Lenten day.
Here is what you need to know about Lent 2025.
What is Lent?
The word "Lent" comes from the Old English term "lencten", meaning "spring”. It marks the transition from winter to spring and lasts 40 days, excluding Sundays. Easter and Lent dates change annually, with Lent occurring at the start of March this year.
Many Christians observe Lent, particularly those in Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, and some Protestant traditions. It begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.
In the Christian faith, Lent is a time for reflection, repentance and spiritual preparation for Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. During this period, Christians often practise fasting, prayer, penance and self-denial to grow closer to God and reflect on the significance of Jesus’s sacrifice.
The 40 days of Lent are symbolic, reflecting the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, as described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. On Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, ashes — often made from the palm branches of the previous year's Palm Sunday — are applied to the foreheads of the faithful, signifying mortality and repentance.
When is Lent 2025?
Lent started on Wednesday, March 5 (Ash Wednesday) and ends on Thursday, April 17, Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday— the day before Good Friday, the first day of Easter.
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, is the day before Lent begins, and fell on Tuesday, March 4 this year. This day is traditionally linked to Lent, as Christians use it to indulge in or use up foods they plan to renounce during the 40 days of self-denial.
What could I give up for Lent 2025?
Deciding what to give up for Lent is a personal choice, often involving something significant in your daily life.
Fasting and abstinence
The Catholic faith expects adherents to abstain from eating meat on Fridays in Lent and to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.. Abstinence does not apply to sex, which may be enjoyed in the Lenten period as at any other time.
Lenten rules do not prohibit coffee, tea, or alcohol.
Here are some popular things people choose to give up for Lent.
- Food or drink: Many people fast from specific foods or drinks, such as sweets, caffeine, alcohol, or meat.
- Social media or screen time: Some people limit their use of social media, television or other forms of screen time during Lent to focus more on spiritual matters.
- Negative habits: Lent can be a time to break negative habits or behaviours, such as gossiping, procrastinating or complaining.
- Luxuries or comforts: Giving up luxuries or comforts, including shopping for non-essential items, eating out at restaurants or taking hot showers, can help foster a spirit of simplicity and gratitude.
- Time: Dedicating time to volunteering, prayer, meditation, or serving others can be a meaningful way to observe Lent."
- Personal vices: Some people choose to give up personal vices such as smoking, excessive drinking or gambling as a way to focus on spiritual growth and self-improvement.
Ultimately, giving something up for Lent creates space for spiritual reflection, growth and connection with God. Choose something to challenge you personally and help you deepen your faith journey.
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