<P> Lent ( Latin : Quadragesima : Fortieth ) is a solemn religious observance in the Christian liturgical calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later , before Easter Sunday . The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer for Easter through prayer , doing penance , mortifying the flesh , repentance of sins , almsgiving , and self - denial . This event is observed in the Anglican , Eastern Orthodox , Oriental Orthodox , Lutheran , Methodist , and Catholic Churches . Some Anabaptist and evangelical churches also observe the Lenten season . Its institutional purpose is heightened in the annual commemoration of Holy Week , marking the death , burial , and resurrection of Jesus , which recalls the tradition and events of the New Testament beginning on Palm Sunday , further climaxing on Jesus ' crucifixion on Good Friday , which ultimately culminates in the joyful celebration on Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ . </P>
<P> Lent ( Latin : Quadragesima : Fortieth ) is a solemn religious observance in the Christian liturgical calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later , before Easter Sunday . The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer for Easter through prayer , doing penance , mortifying the flesh , repentance of sins , almsgiving , and self - denial . This event is observed in the Anglican , Eastern Orthodox , Oriental Orthodox , Lutheran , Methodist , and Catholic Churches . Some Anabaptist and evangelical churches also observe the Lenten season . Its institutional purpose is heightened in the annual commemoration of Holy Week , marking the death , burial , and resurrection of Jesus , which recalls the tradition and events of the New Testament beginning on Palm Sunday , further climaxing on Jesus ' crucifixion on Good Friday , which ultimately culminates in the joyful celebration on Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ . </P>
when does the 40 days of lent begin and end
when does the 40 days of lent begin and end
begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later , before Easter Sunday
begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later , before Easter Sunday