What Is Lent?
Quick Answer
Lent is a 40-day period in the Christian calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends before Easter Sunday. During Lent, many Christians prepare for Easter by praying more, giving up something they enjoy, or doing kind things for others.
Explaining By Age Group
Ages 3-5 Simple Explanation
You know how sometimes you practice something over and over before a big day, like learning a song before a show? Lent is kind of like that for Christians. It is a special time when they get ready for a very important holiday called Easter.
During Lent, some people decide to stop eating something they really like, such as candy or cookies. It is not because they are in trouble! They do it to practice being strong and thinking about others instead of themselves. It lasts for 40 days, which is a really long time!
Lent starts on a day called Ash Wednesday. On that day, some people go to church and get a little mark made of ashes on their forehead. It looks like a cross, and it washes off later. It reminds them that Lent is beginning and it is time to be extra kind and thoughtful.
During Lent, families might also do nice things for people, like sharing food with someone who is hungry or helping a neighbor. When Easter finally comes at the end of Lent, it feels extra special because everyone has spent so much time getting their hearts ready for it!
Ages 6-8 More Detail
Lent is a special time in the Christian year that lasts for 40 days, not counting Sundays. It starts on a day called Ash Wednesday and ends right before Easter. Christians use this time to get ready for Easter, which celebrates the day they believe Jesus rose from the dead.
The number 40 is important because the Bible says Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, praying and not eating much, before he started teaching people. Lent is a way for Christians to remember that time and to challenge themselves to grow closer to God.
Many people "give up" something during Lent. That means they stop doing or eating something they enjoy for the whole 40 days. Some kids give up candy, video games, or soda. The idea is to practice self-control and to think about what really matters instead of just what is fun.
But Lent is not just about giving things up. Many people also try to add something good to their lives during Lent. They might pray more, volunteer to help others, or spend more time with family. Some churches collect food and money for people who need it during this time.
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when many Christians go to church and receive a cross made of ashes on their foreheads. The ashes come from burning palm branches from the year before. It is a quiet, thoughtful way to start the season. When Lent ends and Easter arrives, people celebrate with joy because the long season of waiting and preparing is over.
Ages 9-12 Full Explanation
Lent is a 40-day season observed by Christians around the world as a time of preparation leading up to Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends before Easter Sunday, with Sundays not counted as part of the 40 days because each Sunday is considered a mini celebration of Easter. Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox Christians, and many other groups observe Lent, though the specific practices can vary.
The 40-day length of Lent comes from the story in the Bible where Jesus spent 40 days fasting and praying in the wilderness before beginning his public teaching. By setting aside this period, Christians aim to reflect on their own lives, grow in their faith, and prepare their hearts for the meaning of Easter, which centers on the belief that Jesus died and rose again.
There are three main practices associated with Lent: fasting, prayer, and giving to others. Fasting during Lent often means giving up a food or habit you enjoy, like sweets, social media, or watching TV. The point is not punishment but building discipline and making room for more important things. Many people find that going without something for 40 days gives them a new perspective on what they actually need versus what they just want.
Lent kicks off with Ash Wednesday, one of the most recognizable days in the Christian calendar. On this day, people attend church and receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads. The ashes are made from burning palm branches saved from the previous year's Palm Sunday. The priest or minister often says, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," which is a reminder to focus on what truly matters in life.
Throughout Lent, many churches hold extra services, organize community service projects, and encourage members to read or study the Bible more deeply. Some traditions also include special days within Lent, like Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter, remembering when Jesus entered Jerusalem) and Holy Week (the final week of Lent). By the time Easter morning arrives, the weeks of reflection and sacrifice make the celebration feel especially meaningful and joyful.
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Tips for Parents
Lent can be a challenging topic to discuss with your child. Here are some practical tips to help guide the conversation:
DO: Follow your child's lead. Let them ask questions at their own pace rather than overwhelming them with information they haven't asked for yet. If they seem satisfied with a simple answer, that's okay — they'll come back with more questions when they're ready.
DO: Use honest, age-appropriate language. You don't need to share every detail, but avoid making up stories or deflecting. Kids can sense when you're being evasive, and honesty builds trust.
DO: Validate their feelings. Whatever emotion your child has in response to learning about lent, acknowledge it. Say things like 'It makes sense that you'd feel that way' or 'That's a really good question.'
DON'T: Don't dismiss their curiosity. Responses like 'You're too young for that' or 'Don't worry about it' can make children feel like their questions are wrong or shameful. If you're not ready to answer, say 'That's an important question. Let me think about the best way to explain it, and we'll talk about it tonight.'
DO: Create an ongoing dialogue. One conversation usually isn't enough. Let your child know that they can always come back to you with more questions about lent. This makes them more likely to come to you rather than seeking potentially unreliable sources.
Common Follow-Up Questions Kids Ask
After discussing lent, your child might also ask:
How long does Lent last?
Lent lasts 40 days, starting on Ash Wednesday and ending before Easter Sunday. Sundays are not counted in the 40 days because each Sunday is treated as a small celebration.
What do people give up for Lent?
People choose to give up all sorts of things during Lent, like candy, soda, video games, social media, or other habits they enjoy. The goal is to practice self-control and focus on what matters most.
Why do people get ashes on their forehead?
On Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, many Christians receive a cross drawn in ashes on their forehead. The ashes are a reminder to reflect on life and prepare for Easter.
Do all Christians celebrate Lent?
Most Christian groups observe Lent in some way, including Catholics, many Protestants, and Orthodox Christians. However, the specific traditions and rules can be very different from one group to another.
Why is Lent 40 days?
The number 40 comes from the Bible story where Jesus spent 40 days fasting and praying in the desert. The number 40 appears many times in the Bible and represents a period of testing and spiritual growth.
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