Lent

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Lent forms a significant part of the Christian year in Western churches and corresponds to the Orthodox Great Lent. Lent was formerly called quadragesima, a Latin word meaning fortieth, and is commonly believed to be the 40 days leading up to Easter although in fact it lasts for 46 days (because Sundays are not included in the fast). It is meant as a reminder of Christ's fast when he spent 40 days in the wilderness just before the first Easter.

It is preceded by Carnival and Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday). Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday (in the UK) and Good Friday before terminating on Holy Saturday, the eve of Easter Day.

It is traditional for Christians (and especially Catholics) to "give up something" for Lent. Some people use this as an opportunity to add the strength of religious obligation to an attempt to give up smoking or lose weight, for example.

The Orthodox church celebrates three separate Lents, Great Lent, Apostolic Lent or the Apostles' Fast, and Dormition Lent.