After six Fridays of not eating meat, Christians observing Lent are nearly at the finish line.
The 40-day season of prayer comes to an end this week just ahead of the Easter holiday. The period has been practiced every spring for thousands of years to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.
The tradition dates as far back as 601 AD, when 64th leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Gregory cemented the Lent as permanent tradition, according to the Museum of the Bible. At this time, Lent lasted 46 days consisting of 40 days of fasting where only one meal and no meat was allowed, with the exception of six Sundays considered “feast days.”
To this day, the tradition is practiced by Christians and Catholics across the world. Additionally some people choose to give up certain foods or behaviors throughout the duration.
Here’s what to know about the end of Lent.
When did Lent begin?
This year, Lent began on Wednesday, March 5. The first day of Lent is called Ash Wednesday.
When does Lent end?
Lent ends on Thursday, April 17 this year.
What is the last day of Lent called?
The final day of Lent is also known as Holy Thursday.
Why is Lent 40 days?
Lent’s 40 days represents the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert before starting his public ministry.
Why does Lent involve fasting?
Fasting during Lent represents the fasting Jesus did while in the desert.
“Abstinence is a form of penance. Penance expresses sorrow and contrition for our wrongdoing, indicates our intention to turn away from sin and turn back to God,” the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis shared on its website.
What does the ash cross smudged on worshipers’ forehead mean?
During Ash Wednesday, ashes are placed on a worshiper’s forehead in the shape of the cross. This represents that a person belongs to Jesus Christ and that a person is grieving and morning for their sins.
Why do worshipers abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent?
During Lent, some worshipers abstain from eating flesh meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and each Friday.
Worshipers abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent to honor Jesus sacrificing his flesh on Good Friday, according to the Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis. Flesh meat includes beef, pork, chicken and turkey. Fish are not considered flesh meat.
Non-flesh products, like milk, cheese, butter and eggs, are not prohibited during Lent.
Contributing: Dwight Adams and Aaron A. Bedoya, El Paso Times, John Bacon, USA TODAY
