Lent (
Latin:
Quadragesima - English:
Fortieth) is a solemn religious observance in the
liturgical calendar of many
Christian denominations that begins on
Ash Wednesday and covers a period of approximately six weeks before
Easter Sunday. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through
prayer,
penance,
repentance of sins,
almsgiving,
atonement and
self-denial. This event, along with its pious customs, is observed by Christians in the
Anglican,
Calvinist,
Lutheran,
Methodist,
Roman Catholic and
Eastern Orthodox traditions. Today, some
Anabaptist and
evangelical churches also observe the Lenten season.