Spring is the season of new beginnings! The introduction to the warm weather months is marked by blooming flowers, brighter sunshine, and the anticipation of a fresh start. So, it's perfectly fitting that this time of renewal goes hand in hand with the Christian holiday of Easter.
Easter, which is centered around the rebirth of Christ, is also a holiday filled with family traditions, Easter brunches, church outings, and pastel-toned decorations that color the season. But the highly anticipated spring celebration doesn't stop (or rather start) with Easter. Christians also observe the days leading up to Easter, known as Lent. The Lenten season involves a deep exploration of its history and practices. Overall, it serves as a time for Christians to engage in self-examination, fasting (or turning to Lenten recipes), and contemplation of their spiritual restoration and growth.
So, when exactly is Lent this year? Here’s everything you need to know about Lent, including when it starts and ends in 2025.
When Does Lent Start in 2025?
Lent is the 40-day period leading up to Easter Sunday. Although scholars debate about exactly how the word evolved, "Lent" likely has Germanic roots and is derived from the word lencten, meaning “spring” or "springtime" or "March"—which is the month that the majority of Lent typically falls within. This year, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
What Is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday always marks the beginning of Lent, but what exactly is it? Well, Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God. It's a time to reflect and repent from sin as preparations are made for the resurrection of Christ. During this observance, you will often see followers marking their foreheads with ashes in the shape of a cross, in order to publicly show remorse for their sins. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God created humankind and, therefore, represent the mortality of people and His mercy. Many Christians will also attend a religious service on Ash Wednesday to receive ashes and mark the solemnity of the occasion.
How Long is Lent?
In Western religions, such as Roman Catholicism, Lent includes a 40-day fast, with Sundays excluded (because they’re already considered feast days). In some Eastern churches, such as Orthodox, Lent begins on the Monday of the seventh week before Easter, and ends on the Friday nine days before Easter for a period of 40 days known as “Great Lent.”
The number 40 is significant throughout the Bible: On Mount Sinai, Moses stayed for 40 days and nights without eating or drinking (Exodus 34:28). Elijah walked 40 days and nights to the mountain of the Lord (I Kings 19:8). Most importantly, Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days and nights in the desert before beginning his public ministry (Matthew 4:2)
When Does Lent End?
In some faith's traditions, Lent ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. However, for other faiths such as Roman Catholicism, Lent ends at sundown on Thursday, April 17, 2025, which is the day known as Holy Thursday. This day commemorates the Last Supper shared by Jesus and his disciples. The three days from Holy Thursday to Holy Saturday are known separately as the Triduum, a three-day long liturgy, or official rites. For many Christians, it’s the most sacred liturgy of the year.
What Do Christians Give Up for Lent?
Now that you know when Lent begins and ends in 2025, it’s time to start thinking about what you want to give up during this time. Traditionally, Lent is observed as a period to refrain from a chosen activity, symbolizing sacrifice and self-discipline. Choosing to give something up, especially something you enjoy, may not sound appealing, but the benefits of self-restraint and self-reflection that come from doing so make it more than worth it. Your sacrifice of choice can be simple, like reducing your screen time, or (depending on the person) more difficult, like cutting out dessert.
Even Ree Drummond and her family participate in Lent. Ree notes that Ladd’s favorite soda, Dr Pepper, often falls victim to the season of sacrifice. "He has given it up for Lent a few times, and when he goes through withdrawal, things get dicey in our house," she jokes. But in the end, testing your strength by giving up those tempting habits is entirely beneficial, as it offers an opportunity for Christians to remember the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ.
Why Do the Dates for Lent Change Every Year?
The dates for Lent change every year because the dates for Easter change every year. Easter is considered a movable religious feast that is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the start of spring, or the spring equinox. More simply put, Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon of springtime. That means Easter always falls between March 22 and April 25. By Christian tradition, Lent is always 46 days before Easter Sunday, so we count back six weeks to determine the start of Lent.
Is Lent a Federal Holiday?
No, Lent is not a federal holiday in the United States. The U.S. government actually only recognizes 11 federal holidays, and Christmas Day is the only religious celebration that falls in that category. This means that Good Friday and Easter Sunday are not federal holidays either. So, businesses, public schools, and mail operations will continue operating as usual during the observance.
Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
