Lent 2023 date

When is Lent?

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Maundy Thursday.

During the 40 days before Easter, Roman Catholics are supposed to abstain from all bodily pleasures, including the consumption of meat.

This is intended to remember the fasting of Jesus, who spent 40 days in the desert before beginning his ministry.

Traditions of Lent

The word "Lent" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon 'lencten' which literally means "spring". 'Lencten' has a root in the Germanic word for long, which assigned itself to Spring as the days become longer.

In several countries, Lent marks the start of spring.

The wild daffodil is known as the Lent Lily as it flowers early enough in the year to coincide with the period of Lent.

The story of Lent is detailed in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. According to these texts, after being baptized, Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the Judaean Desert. 

Jesus was very hungry and very tired when the devil first came to tempt him. The devil knew Jesus was hungry and he wanted to test how strong he was. He tried to make him use his powers to help himself.

First, he told, Jesus, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ But Jesus wasn’t fooled. He knew it was a trap. He told the devil, ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

Next, the devil took him to the holy city and made him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are really the son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down. The scriptures say that God will protect you from harm.’ Jesus answered him, ‘The scriptures also say: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’ He knew that Satan was trying to test his faith.

Finally, the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their wealth. ‘I will give you all this,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’ But Jesus’ faith in God was too strong for him to be tempted. He told the devil, ‘Get away from me, Satan! The scriptures tell us: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”’

God was pleased to see how strong Jesus was. The devil left him alone, and angels came to wait on him. He was ready to begin his teachings.

The Easter period influences a range of festivals and events. The following is an overview of the events. Click the name of the event to read more about an individual event.

Key Dates in Lent

Event2022Remarks
Carnival February 31st A celebration of the coming of Easter (and Spring) before the period of Lent begins. The name is said to derive from the Latin 'Carne Vale' meaning without flesh referring to no consumption of meat during Lent.
Fasching February 31st Monday before Ash Wednesday.
Shrove Tuesday March 1st Pancake Tuesday/Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).The Tuesday before lent is the last chance to feast for 40 days.
Start of Lent
Ash Wednesday March 2nd Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent. The custom was that churchgoers would be marked on the forehead with a cross of ash to symbolise death and regret for past sins.
Mothering Sunday March 27th On the fourth Sunday in Lent in England, families attended the church they were baptised in (their Mother church).
Maundy Thursday April 14th Commemorates Jesus' last supper with his disciples. Lent ends at sundown on Maundy Thursday.
End of Lent
Good Friday April 15th Good Friday occurs on the Friday before Easter. The day commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus.
Holy Saturday April 16th  
Easter Sunday April 17th Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead after his death by crucifixion
Ascension Day May 26th Commemorates the ascension of Jesus into heaven forty days after the resurrection.
Whit Monday June 6th Commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit in the form of flames to the Apostles.

Orthodox Lent is observed from Ash Wednesday to the evening of Holy Saturday and leads up to Easter Sunday, which runs from February 27 to April 15 this year. When we think of Easter, what comes to mind are Easter eggs and those fun games played before getting an Easter egg. However, there is a serious side to this religious festival — known as Orthodox Lent or Great Lent — observed by followers of the Christian faith. Celebrated before Easter Sunday, it is a six-week celebration for believers to prepare for Easter through abstinence, prayer, and fasting.

History of Orthodox Lent

The 40 days of Lent mark the period between Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert fasting and praying — this was the event that inspired the final length of Lent. Early Christian customs varied across the Roman Empire. Weekly fasting on Wednesday and Friday till mid-afternoon was typical. Also, supplicants and clergy would fast before the ceremony, commonly held at Easter. Various Christian communities conducted a 40-day fast before the three holiest days of the year: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.

From the sixth through the 12th centuries, Lent extended across Western Europe. Only a few Lenten days were “black,” meaning no food was to be consumed during the entire day until sunset. Daily fasting was gradually reduced. Meals at noon became common towards the end of the Middle Ages. During Lent, no meat or animal products, dairy, or eggs were allowed, even on Sundays, according to bishops and theologians, specialists in church law. The objective was to avoid indulgence during this season of repentance. Marriage ceremonies were also forbidden during the Lenten season.

On Lent Fridays, Catholics and some other Christians still refrain from meat, and on two days of the total fasting period, they eat only one meal with two smaller snacks. They also give up something during Lent. Like smoking or watching T.V., or often a favorite meal or drink. The elderly, ill, and pregnant women are exempt from fasting. In keeping with the spiritual and self-disciplined theme of Lent other activities are encouraged, including making peace with estranged relatives and friends, spiritual reading, and community work. While some traditions have altered, Lent remains a time of silent introspection and spiritual discipline.

Orthodox Lent timeline

130 A.D.

A Season of Reflection

Lent begins but not in the form we know, it is a day of self-examination and penitence which lasts for two to three days.

325 A.D.

Beginning of Lent

Lent begins shortly after the Council of Nicea for new converts as a sign of repentance.

590—640 A.D.

Lent Standardizes

Pope Gregory 1 standardizes the period of Lent churchwide to include Ash Wednesday.

800 A.D.

Lent Relaxes

The austerity of Lent relaxes and becomes less strict.

Can you eat chocolate during Lent?

That is completely dependent on you. While some people give up their favorite food, others give up a habit. Giving up any of those lasts for the period of Lent and cannot be eaten till Lent is over.

What can I give up during Lent?

You can give up gossip, social media, coffee, sweets and treats, alcohol, snacks, soda, fast food, and so on to reflect.

Is Orthodox Lent considered Vegan?

The lifestyle and eating habits of a believer during Lent are considered to be vegan but only as a temporary way of life.

How to Observe Orthodox Lent

  1. Practice self-discipline

    Lent is a time of reflection and renewal. Orthodox Lent requires steadfast self-discipline, a positive trait in life. There is a list of foods that believers need to abstain from during the period of Lent, which requires discipline, and certain rules must be strictly observed.

  2. Avoid overindulgence

    Orthodox Lent calls for doing things in moderation. There should be restraint in the quality and quantity of what you consume. It is also an opportunity to take stock of your habits and what you eat and drink and assess if you are following a healthy path.

  3. Bring yourself closer to God

    Orthodox Lent is not only about fasting but about being closer to God. While observing Orthodox Lent, draw yourself closer to God and practice Penance. It is also a good time for contemplation, self-reflection and letting go of destructive practices, such as grudges or the desire for unnecessary things.

5 Foods To Abstain From During Lent

  1. Meat

    It is advisable to abstain from eating any meat during Lent.

  2. Eggs

    Eggs are a by-product of meat and should be avoided.

  3. Dairy

    As a meat by-product, dairy products are on the list of things to be wary of eating.

  4. Fish

    As fish are creatures with a backbone, they should be avoided.

  5. Alcohol

    Some churches specify that no wine is allowed so it is one of the drinks to generally avoid.

Why Orthodox Lent is Important

  1. It’s a time for complete devotion to God

    During Orthodox Lent, there is a complete devotion to God and readiness to commit to His will and rules. Time spent on other activities is devoted to God through studying His Word, fasting, and praying.

  2. It’s a time for helping others

    Orthodox Lent is a time for people to consider their neighbors and help them. Extra food and money can be given to the needy at this time.

  3. It expands your horizons

    Orthodox Lent allows people to try vegan food they may never have considered. You can also try new vegan recipes, or Indian food as it is often vegan and vegetarian.

Orthodox Lent dates

YearDateDay
2022 March 7 Monday
2023 February 27 Monday
2024 March 18 Monday
2025 March 3 Monday
2026 February 23 Monday

What are the 40 days of Lent 2023?

Lent for the year 2023 starts on Wednesday, February 22nd and ends on Thursday, April 6 with evening mass on Holy Thursday. Lent is a Christian annual period that starts on Ash Wednesday lasting for 40 days (not Including Sundays) representing the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness.

What is the first Sunday of Lent 2023?

Dates for First Day of Lent from 2018 to 2028.

How many Sundays are there in Lent 2023?

How are Lent dates determined? In Western Christianity Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday. The six Sundays in Lent are not counted among the forty days of lent because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter", a celebration of Jesus' victory over sin and death.

Is Lent always 40 days?

In Protestant and Western Orthodox Churches that celebrate it, the season of Lent lasts from Ash Wednesday to the evening of Holy Saturday. This calculation makes Lent last 46 days if the 6 Sundays are included, but only 40 days if they are excluded.