When does Lent start in 2017? How long does Lent last?

Lent is seen as a time of penance and prayer before Easter, and many people choose to give up something to mark the occasion and to mimic Jesus’ sacrifice while in the desert for 40 days.

Every year, Lent starts on Ash Wednesday (the day after Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day) and this year Lent falls on Wednesday, March 1.

When does Lent finish?

This is a tricky one to determine because there are two schools of thought.

For Western churches, Lent finishes on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. So that is April 15.

But the liturgical calendar determines that Lent ends on Maundy Thursday which falls on April 13 this year.

So is Lent 40 days?

Well, it’s actually 46 days but Sundays are not included as they are not fast days.

The number 40 is a significant number in Christian scriptures, but the most notable reason it’s around 40 days is perhaps that Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert.

What is Ash Wednesday?

The first day of Lent is known as Ash Wednesday and this day is seen as the day to clean the soul before Lent begins.

Traditionally ashes are used to mark churchgoers on the forehead with a cross, to symbolise repentance for sin.

Palm crosses from the last Palm Sunday are used and it is also said to be a reminder that death comes to everyone.

How to flip a pancake: