What is Ash Wednesday and when is Lent in 2023?

As the Christian season of Lent begins, millions of worshippers around the world observe traditions that date back millennia.

Abstaining from certain pleasures or luxuries, including food and drinks, Christians begin 40 days of self-reflection, sacrifice and acts of kindness, which end in the traditional Easter celebrations.

What is Ash Wednesday?

The first day of Lent always falls on a Wednesday and is called Ash Wednesday. It is a Christian holy day of fasting and prayer.

Ash Wednesday marks the first day on which Christians make a Lenten sacrifice. On the day before, Shrove Tuesday, which is also known as Pancake Day, observers indulge in rich or “fatty” foods ahead of 40 days of sacrifice and penitence.

Pancakes are traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday before the beginning of Lent because they are made from rich ingredients, which would then be given up. Photo: Unsplash

This is why pancakes are traditionally eaten, because the dish requires milk, eggs and flour — rich ingredients that would then be given up for the following weeks.

Easter marks the time when observers can once again indulge in what they gave up.

What is Lent?

Lent is a religious observance in the Christian calendar, which commemorates the 40 days in which Jesus spent fasting in the desert, according to the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.

Lent is observed by many different Christian denominations, including Anglican, Lutheran and Roman Catholic.

When is Lent this year?

Lent begins on Wednesday and ends on April 6. Observers usually attend special church services on the first day to prepare.

Is Lent on the same dates every year?

As with Ramadan, Lent is not held on the same dates each year. The period of acknowledgement of the 40 days the Bible says Christ spent in the desert begins exactly 46 days before Easter. The 46 days constitute 40 days of Lent, plus six days, as Sundays are not counted.

Easter always occurs on the first Sunday after the paschal full moon — the first full moon on or after the spring equinox — which affects the date it falls on each year.

What do people give up for Lent?

Observers usually abstain from certain foods, smoking or even social media use. Photo: Unsplash

The idea of making a personal sacrifice during Lent means many people give up something they enjoy, usually a type of food or activity.

Five dishes for Pancake Day, from French crepes to Indian dosas

Children might be encouraged to give up chocolate and sweets. Meat is another common food to give up. Observers may take a break from social media or stop smoking.

During this time, observers are also encouraged to engage in good behaviour such as kindness, thoughtfulness and acts of charity.

Updated: February 22, 2023, 8:54 AM

What is Ash Wednesday and when is Lent in 2023?

The annual religious observance is followed by millions of Christians worldwide, culminating in Easter celebrations