A period of forty days before Easter, time of fasting.
14
votes
3answers
454 views
What is the connection between Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, etc?
Coming from a Protestant tradition, I grew up hearing about Lent but never having any practice associated with it. In the years since, I've gathered that there's some sort of connection between ...
14
votes
2answers
167 views
Why isn't Lent observed across all traditions?
I had always (apparently in error) assumed it was a Catholic practice, but according to Wikipedia, Lent is:
observed by Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, as well as some ...
10
votes
2answers
755 views
Why is purple the color of Lent?
I was just reading Mark 15:17-20 (ESV) (emphasis mine):
And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, ...
9
votes
1answer
154 views
How long has the church been observing Lent?
At what point in church history did the Lenten season become a significant part of the church year?
Obviously Easter came first, but I don't see the biblical basis for 40 days of preparation for ...
6
votes
2answers
146 views
Eating of which non-fish animals does not go against the dietery law of the Roman Catholic Church?
During lent a Roman Catholic may not consume meat other than that of a fish. However, there are some non-fish animals that have been considered okay to consume during that time, like beaver for ...
6
votes
1answer
70 views
Is there any evidence that Lent used to be a 3 day observance?
I was taught that Lent represents the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. However, in church on Ash Wednesday, my Priest stated that it used to be 3 days and was extended to 40. I can only assume that ...