In Western Christianity, Lent is the period preceding the Christian holy day of Easter (Resurrection Sunday). Eastern Christianity calls this period Great Lent, to distinguish it from the Winter Lent (or Advent) that precedes Christmas. The remainder of this article will discuss Lent as it is understood and practiced in Western Christianity, except when as noted.

It covers, approximately, the forty days preceding Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter Sunday. The dating of Easter, determines that of Lent.  Roughly speaking, Lent starts near the end of Winter and ends near the beginning of Spring…

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