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Lent

Embark on a spiritual journey this Lent, embracing self-discipline and contemplation, honoring the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.

Wednesday

10–27

February–March 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATELent (Western Easter − 46, 46-day span)

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYChristian

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to embark on a spiritual journey as we mark the start of Lent on February 14. This time-honored tradition, celebrated by Christians around the world, spans 40 days in reverence of the time Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert. Lent's origin can be traced back to the Council of Nicea in 325 AD, making it one of Christianity's oldest observances. It is a period of somber reflection, prayer, fasting, and self-discipline, serving as spiritual preparation for the celebration of Easter. The fact that Lent begins on Valentine's Day this year only amplifies its deep message of love and sacrifice. Reconnect with your faith, find inner strength, and welcome Lent with open minds and hearts.

TIMELINE

Lent Timeline

Council of Nicea

The Council of Nicea establishes the framework for early Christian ritual observances, including Lent.

Pope Gregory Mandate

Pope Gregory the Great fixes Lent to be a 40-day period of fasting and penance, symbolizing Jesus' 40 days in the desert.

Rise of Fasting

The practice of fasting during Lent becomes more widespread among ordinary parishioners and not just monastic communities.

Lent in American Colonies

Early American Christian colonists observe Lent, albeit with variations compared to European practices due to the harsh colonial conditions.

Fast and Abstinence Rules

Pope Paul VI loosens the Catholic Church's rules on fasting and abstinence during Lent allowing for greater flexibility for individual believers.

Modern-day Lent Practices

While fasting has become optional for many Christians, Lenten practices of self-denial, prayer, and charity continue to be widely practiced in contemporary times.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Lent

Commit to daily prayer or meditation

Lent is about spiritual growth and connecting with your faith. Try to set aside some time each day for silence, prayer, or meditation. This is a way to deepen your relationship with God and reflect on Christ’s sacrifice.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer your time for charity

Christianity teaches love and compassion. Lent is the perfect time to put these teachings into action by volunteering. Take this time to serve those in your community who are less fortunate.

SACRIFICE

Sacrifice a luxury item

Give up a luxury item, such as chocolate or favorite shows during Lenten season as a form of fasting. This represents Jesus’ sacrifice in the desert and allows you to practice self-discipline.

JOIN

Join a Bible study group

Participate in an organized study of the Bible with others in your community. This provides an opportunity for deeper understanding of your faith and personal growth.

KEEP

Keep a gratitude journal

During Lent, take a moment each day to reflect on and write down what you are grateful for. This can help you better appreciate the blessings in your life, reinforcing the theme of humility during this solemn period.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Lent is Important

It encourages charity and gratitude

Lent is a time when Christians are encouraged to volunteer and serve the less fortunate in their community, embodying love and compassion. Keeping a gratitude journal during this period also helps comprehend life's blessings, promoting appreciation and humility throughout this solemn period.

Lent deepens our spiritual connection

Lent encourages us to engage in self-discipline and contemplation, mirroring the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. It is a period of devout observation where Christians around the world fast, pray, and meditate, deepening their spiritual connection with God and Christ.

Promotes selflessness and sacrifice

Through fasting and giving up luxuries, Lent encourages sacrifice and selflessness. This act is significant as it represents Jesus’ sacrifice in the desert and allows Christians to practice humility and discipline, aligning oneself with virtue.

Related holidays

WED

Feb 2026

Religion

Ash Wednesday

A religious observance marking the beginning of the Lenten season of fasting, prayer, and repentance, reminding participants of human mortality through the imposition of ashes.

Orthodox Lent

Experience Orthodox Lent's soulful journey, a period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, preparing oneself for the joy of Easter.

Orthodox Holy Week

A religious observance during the week before Orthodox Pascha commemorating the final week of Jesus Christ’s earthly life through fasting, liturgies, and processions in preparation for the Resurrection.

Holy Week

A religious observance during the week before Easter commemorating the final days of Jesus Christ’s earthly life, including the Last Supper, crucifixion, and burial.

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