Across the world, many people will be giving up something for Lent – whether it’s social media, sugar or eating meat.
It’s the perfect time to give any bad habits the boot.
Lent is an important date in the Christian calendar and starts the day after Shrove Tuesday – otherwise known as Pancake Day – on Ash Wednesday.
Although you can give up anything for Lent, sugar is often top of people’s lists – hardly surprising if you’ve overindulged in sweet pancake treats.
So when did Lent begin this year – and when can you finally have your sweet treats back?
Here’s what you need to know.
When does Lent end?
Lent lasts for 40 days – representing the time Jesus is said to have fasted in the wilderness.
But as Sunday don’t count as they are ‘holy days’ (even though Lent is still observed on them) it actually ends 46 days after it started.
This means that in 2023, Lent ends today – Thursday, April 6 – the day before Good Friday and the Easter weekend.
When did Lent 2023 start?
Lent officially began on Ash Wednesday, which this year fell on Wednesday, February 22 – 46 days before Easter Sunday.
The date when Lent starts changes every year because Easter moves.
That’s because (stay with us here, it’s a tad complicated) Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or soon after the first equinox of the year – The equinox is when day and night are equal in length.
On Ash Wednesday, in a custom dating back to the 10th century, ashes made from palm crosses are blessed and used to mark crosses on people’s foreheads during church services.
These services ‘set the tone for Lent’, according to the Church of England website, with ‘sombre readings and hymns and a focus on penitence – saying sorry and turning away from sin’.
There’s no actual mention of Ash Wednesday in the Bible, but the idea of ash comes from the Old Testament phrase ‘Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return’ (Genesis 3:19).
Palm leaves are used as crowds are said to have waved them at Jesus on his return from 40 days in the wilderness.
What do people give up for Lent?
Sugary drinks, chocolate and ice cream are common – and if you’re still going with Dry January, it could turn into Dry Lent.
Going vegan is another option – here are some vegan restaurants to try, and you could also choose vegan make-up and skincare products.
But it’s not all about things you buy or use – giving up gossip, obsessions and negative thinking are all positive steps to take, along with taking a break from social media if you need to.
Think self-care and replace negativity with positive actions this Lent to improve your health and wellbeing – take simple steps such as staying hydrated, or try something new like sound therapy for an emotional boost.
MORE : When is Easter 2023 and when are the Easter holidays this year?
MORE : Give plant-based superfoods a go – from protein balls to caramel cups
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