Lent

A carnival is held in Venice, Italy, in the days before Lent (the 40 days of fasting observed by the Catholic Church before Easter). Fantastic costumes and masks are part of the festivity, which takes its name from the Latin meaning to ‘remove meat’, since meat was forbidden during Lent.

In the Christian church, the 40-day period of fasting that precedes Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday (the day after Shrove Tuesday), but omitting Sundays.

Easter is the most significant of the Christian festivals. It celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus and their significance for Christians. Easter lasts from Lent to Ascension Day and Whit Sunday. It is a time of reflection and repentance, and commemorates the 40 days that Jesus is said to have spent fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry. The Gospels relate how he was tempted by the Devil during this time, as he thought how best to carry out his ministry. A full account can be found in St Luke's Gospel (Luke 4:1–13).

In the early church, meat and fish were avoided during Lent. Meat used to be regarded as a pleasure and luxury and was best avoided at a time of repentance and preparation for the festival of Easter. There are now no rules about fasting and Christians can choose what they eat. Some Christians still fast during Lent and try to avoid eating meat, in remembrance of the sacrifice Jesus made by his death on the cross. Some try to show that they want to observe Lent, and wish to make a fresh start, by giving up things they particularly enjoy like chocolate, cakes, or sweets. Lent is the time when Christians remember the suffering Jesus had to bear to bring salvation to humankind. The altar cloth is changed from the usual green to purple, a colour symbolizing preparation and penitence.