Lent - National Today

Categories:: Religious
Tags:: Activities Christian
Where:: International
Date change rule:: 46 days before Easter Sunday
Holiday emoji:: 🙏

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marking 40 days of spiritual preparation before Easter. This period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving invites Christians to deepen their faith. Reflect on your spiritual journey and engage in acts of charity.

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Expected Lent Deals

During Lent, many brands and organizations focus on spiritual growth, charitable giving, and meat-alternative options for those observing dietary restrictions. Look for special offerings from companies like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat at grocery stores and restaurants. Religious publishers such as Loyola Press and Ave Maria Press often promote Lenten devotionals and study guides. Charitable organizations like Catholic Relief Services and World Vision highlight opportunities for almsgiving and community support. We will update this page with confirmed live deals and initiatives as February 2027 approaches.

Platform Guide for Lent

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #Lent. Share visually appealing reflections, inspiring quotes, or simple acts of kindness you’re observing during this season.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Lent. Engage with community groups discussing Lenten practices, share resources for spiritual growth, or post about local charitable initiatives.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #Lent. Share short, impactful reflections, links to Lenten resources, or updates on your personal spiritual journey.

Lent Hero

Jesus Christ

Lent commemorates the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert, enduring temptation from Satan before beginning his public ministry. His example of self-denial and spiritual discipline serves as the foundational inspiration for the Lenten observance. This period of intense spiritual preparation culminates in his crucifixion and resurrection, celebrated at Easter.

History of Lent

The exact date of origin of Lent is difficult to pinpoint. Early mentions of the season come from early Christianity, which records the tradition of fasting before Easter. The concept of fasting and forgoing indulgences such as alcohol, meat, and lacticinia during Lent was established by the Church. Over the years and centuries, there have been many proposed theories about the origin of Lent. The only thing for certain is the fact that these 40 days of fasting before Easter was clarified at the Nicene Council. In fact, the Council of Laodicea has deemed the Lent fast as “of strict necessity”.

The time and duration of Lent vary according to different Christian denominations. Even the way Lent is observed sees minor differences in different parts of the world. What is commonly believed though is the concept of the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The values of self-reflection, simplicity, and sincerity are also emphasized during this time.

It is customary for Christians to think about what Lenten sacrifices they will be making for the season. Lenten sacrifices often include chocolates, soft drinks, alcohol, meat, and even sinful behaviors such as swearing and sexual activities. While the sacrifices differ, the common idea is to abstain from certain pleasures or luxuries to mimic the temptation endured by Jesus in the desert. The faithful that make it through Lent can then indulge on Easter. Other common practices are to read daily devotionals and pray through the Lent calendar to get closer to God.

Lent timeline

2nd Century A.D.

Easter-fast

A pre-Easter fast tradition begins to emerge.

325 A.D.

Lent is Introduced

Lent as we know it is introduced following the Council of Nicea.

18th Century

Ideas of Lent Begin to Change

Criticism of the Catholic church and the biblical meaning behind Lent begin to emerge.

April 17, 2022

Easter

Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Lent

Local businesses can respectfully acknowledge Lent by offering special promotions or services. Restaurants might feature expanded meat-free menus or ‘fish fry’ specials on Fridays. Bookstores could curate displays of spiritual literature, devotionals, and Bibles. Businesses could also partner with local charities for donation drives or match customer contributions, aligning with the Lenten emphasis on almsgiving and community support.

Lent FAQs

When is Lent?

In 2027, Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, February 10, and ends on Holy Thursday, March 25. It’s a time for spiritual discipline and preparation for the Easter season.

How long is Lent?

The Lenten season spans approximately six weeks, specifically 40 days, to mirror Jesus’ time of fasting in the desert. Sundays are not counted as part of the 40 days.

How many Christians observe Lent?

While precise numbers fluctuate, a significant portion of the world’s 2.5 billion Christians engage in some form of Lenten observance, making it one of the most widely recognized periods in the Christian calendar.

What traditions are associated with Lent?

Lent is marked by various practices such as attending Ash Wednesday services, participating in Stations of the Cross, and engaging in acts of charity. It’s a period of self-examination and spiritual renewal.

How to Observe Lent

Pray
As the three pillars suggest, prayer is an important part of Lent. Choosing a method of your choice, whether it is attending mass or reading your own daily devotional, take some time out to pray.
Fast
This is another important factor of Lent. It doesn’t have to mean a full fast, it could even mean making Lenten sacrifices. Follow what you believe in and fast in the way your faith allows.
Give alms
Service is encouraged during this season. Find out ways in which you can give back to society and get started on that. Every bit counts. If you’re unable financially, you could contribute your time and energy towards a service effort.

5 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Lent

It isn't exactly 40 days
Because Sundays aren’t included, Lent lasts for 46 days.
Starts with a party
Mardi Gras, a day before Lent begins, involves people drinking and eating indulgently before they start fasting for 40 days.
Fast, but not really
All Christians 18 and above are supposed to fast on Ash Wednesday, but that can include one big and two small meals.
Good Friday
Good Friday seems like a strange name, given what it stands for; there are talks that 'good' stood for 'holy' in earlier days.
Not all meat
While many give up meat during Lent, it doesn't apply to fish or other cold-blooded animals.

Why Lent is Important

It encourages spiritual growth
Lent is a time to attempt to mimic what Jesus Christ did in the desert to focus on God’s mission. Resisting temptation and fasting for some time is a reminder of what Christ went through and helps you establish a deeper connection. Prayer during this time is also a way to do so.
It promotes service
Doing good and leaving the world better than we found it is never a bad idea. One of the three pillars of Lent is this. It encourages people to do good and serve others for 40 days, and hopefully more, and give back to society.
It results in personal growth
Abstaining from certain pleasures for over a month is not an easy task. However, doing so with a clear sense of purpose makes it more accessible. During the period of Lent, making sacrifices, a person learns a lot about not only their faith but also themselves — their willpower, their reliance on pleasures, their strength in the face of temptation, and so much more.