The Mycenaean

Many people across the world celebrate the holiday of Lent. Lent is a significant holiday in the Christian religion as a time of self reflection, spiritual renewal, and self discipline in preparation for Easter. Starting because of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, Lent encourages believers to reflect on their faith and replace bad habits with reflection and time with God. 

Lent traces its roots black to the early centuries of Christianity. The 40 day period is inspired by the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert, as described in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. During this time Jesus prayed and resisted temptations, showing spiritual discipline. Early Christians adopted the time of fasting as well before Easter, which eventually became Lent. 

The word Lent comes from the Old English word lencten, meaning spring. It symbolizes renewal and growth. By the 4th century, churches had adopted the season of lent, fasting on all days of the week except Sundays which were considered fasting days. 

The holiday begins on Ash Wednesday, when Christians receive ashes on their foreheads in the form of a cross as a reminder of human mortality and the need for repentance. These ashes are made from burned palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday, serving as a reminder of the need to be spiritually renewed.   

The season of Lent is marked by three key practices–fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.

Catholics over the age of 14 are required to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, adults are also expected to eat only one full meal with two smaller meals. Some people also choose to give up a special indulgence such as soda, television, or social media as a form of self discipline. 

Lent is a time of deep connection with God, one of those ways is by praying and reflecting. Many Catholics attend daily Mass and spend a lot of time in prayer to grow their connection with God.

Another practice is almsgiving. Helping those in need is an essential part of lent. This could be in the form of donating to charity, volunteering, or simply being more generous with time and kindness. This mindset helps to shift focus away from ourselves and towards others.

Some of the most important days of Lent are Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. 

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Holy Thursday marks the last supper. Good Friday is the day that Jesus was crucified on the cross. Holy Saturday is the day of waiting and reflection before Jesus’s resurrection on Easter. 

Lent is much more than a time of giving things up, it is a season of replacement. Through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, Christians grow closer to God, purify themselves and prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. It is a spiritual journey that symbolizes sacrifices, humility, and faith.