Lent 2025 officially begins today, marking an important period of reflection, prayer, and self-discipline for Christians worldwide. This 40-day observance is when believers, including Catholics, Lutherans, Protestants, and other Christian denominations, engage in spiritual practices to prepare for Easter.
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Lent 2025 start and end dates
In 2025, Lent begins on March 5 with the observance of Ash Wednesday. The conclusion of Lent takes place on Holy Thursday, April 17, marking the beginning of the Easter Triduum—the three days leading up to Easter Sunday.
This year, Easter Sunday falls on April 20, as it is always celebrated on the first Sunday following the full moon after the spring equinox.
Why is Lent observed for 40 days?
The number 40 holds great biblical significance. Throughout scripture, this time frame is associated with testing, purification, and transformation. The Great Flood in the Old Testament lasted for 40 days, and Jesus Christ himself spent 40 days and nights in the desert undergoing trials. Reflecting on these events, the 40 days of Lent serve as a symbolic period of spiritual growth and renewal.
Significance of Lent 2025
Lent is a sacred period in Christianity that encourages believers to deepen their faith through prayer, service, and abstinence. Many Christians choose to give up certain indulgences, such as alcohol, coffee, chocolate, or even swearing, as a form of spiritual discipline. The season begins with Ash Wednesday, a day that symbolises repentance and renewal of faith.
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Ash Wednesday: The beginning of Lent
Ash Wednesday is a significant day of fasting, prayer, and repentance observed by many Western Christian groups. It foregoes Shrove Tuesday and marks the official beginning of Lent. On this day, priests place ashes on the foreheads of believers in the shape of a cross, signifying human mortality and the need for repentance.
Religious groups that traditionally observe Ash Wednesday include Catholics, Lutherans, Moravians, Anglicans, Methodists, Nazarenes, and some branches of Presbyterian and Reformed churches.
Many Christians mark the day by refraining from meat and fasting, as well as committing to a Lenten sacrifice—a personal commitment to give up certain luxuries or habits until Easter.
