Ten things you need to know about Lent

This year’s lent (a solemn observance in the Christian liturgical calendar) started on February 26 with the ‘Ash Wednesday’, kicking off a period of prayer and fasting. It ends on Palm Sunday and the Easter celebrations. NAILANTEI NORARI looks at the things you might need to know about Lent

1. Not observed solely by Catholics

Although lent is normally touted as a Catholic affair, it is not. Lent, much like Christmas, is observed by most Christians from Roman Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Lutherans to Eastern Orthodoxians.

Almost all variations of the religion observe the season prior to Easter, except for Jehovah’s Witnesses, who celebrate neither Easter nor Christmas.

2. It’s not mentioned in the Bible

Unlike many other major Christian traditions and holidays, there’s no formal mention of Lent in the Holy Scriptures.

The verses in the Bible that extol fasting and prayer are used to justify Lent. The tradition of lent was created after the Bible had been penned. 

3. Fasting is used loosely 

Fasting is complete abstinence from partaking of both food and drinks. However, during lent, one is expected to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays during lent and Good Friday.

One can also ration the meals they have or the number of meals they eat in a day. It is also advised to give up a bad habit or add a good one.

This is in commemoration of the sacrifices Jesus made as He prepared for His crucifixion. 

4. Some people are exempted 

All Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 should fast every Wednesday after the Ash Wednesday and on every Friday during lent including Good Friday.

Everyone below 18 years of age and above 59, together with invalids, pregnant and nursing mothers are all exempt from lent. 

5. Abstinence from all meat except fish

Christians observing lent are expected to abstain from eating meat and from other luxuries of choice.

One only has to give up meat only on Ash Wednesday and every Friday in the lent period.

However, one can eat fish even on Fridays as meat was not considered a luxury when Lent started. One could just walk to a stream and catch a fish for lunch or dinner!

Moreover, all cold blooded animals may be eaten including frogs, clams, turtles and alligators.

In ancient cultures, meat was seen as a delicacy and ‘the fattened calf’ wasn’t slaughtered unless there was something to celebrate.

6. It lasts 46 days

Although lent is largely touted to last 40 days, the period is actually 46 days as Sundays are not counted in the 40 days.

Sundays are normally a bit relaxed and allowed for mini-celebrations during the lent period.

7. Ashes are from palm leaves

To mark the beginning of the lent period, a pastor or priest normally draws a cross on believers’ forehead with a mix of water (or any other set liquids) and ashes. These ashes are normally made by burning palms.

The palms are supposed to have been collected from the previous year’s Palm Sunday.

8. Lent ends on Good Thursday 

The lent period normally ends on Good Thursday, the day Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, had the last supper, was betrayed by Judas, taken to Pontius Pilate, judged and crucified on Good Friday, then He rose on Easter Sunday. However, many assume it ends on the Palm Sunday.

9. Palm Sunday marks Jesus entry into Jerusalem

Most people confuse Palm Sunday to be the day Jesus was crucified yet it is a week before Easter.

Palm Sunday is the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem on a young donkey’s back and many put down palms for Him to ride on, while even more questioned his choice of transport.

10. Violet is the official lent colour 

Violet represents the mourning for Jesus while he died on the cross, while also celebrating his resurrection with the colours that signify royalty.

This is the reason why many believers and priests wear violet clothes and sashes during religious rituals.

More Articles

---