The season of Lent originated from the early days of the Church as a time to prepare for Easter. Lent used to be a period of forty hours spent fasting to remember Jesus' suffering and the forty hours He spent in the tomb. In the third century, Lent was made six days long, and in 800 AD it was made forty days.

In Old English, the word Lent means spring. However, in other languages, Lent means forty days. People used to associate Lent with giving things up for penance. Even though many of us do give things up during Lent, Lent really focuses on our baptismal promises. This meaning of Lent dates back to the fourth century. Lent is a time for soul searching and rededication to Jesus. The forty days represent the days Jesus spent withdrawing in the wilderness and fasting. Also, people who were converting to Catholicism prepared for baptism. We continue this season's traditions today.

To prepare for the coming of Jesus, the colors are purple and royal blue. In the Western church, Lent always begins the seventh Wednesday before Easter.

The season of Lent lasts forty days and occurs before Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter. The forty days skip Sunday because Sunday signifies the Resurrection of Christ.

During Lent, there are several activities that we can do to prepare for Easter. Adults should abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and each Friday during Lent. Adults should should also fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.