What is the Origin of the term "Lent" (and the timing of the Season)
The word “Lent” comes from the Old English word ‘Lencten’ meaning March (or spring). As a Church term, “Lent” is unique to English, in almost all romance languages the name for this season finds its origin in the Latin word Quadragesima (the forty days) which refers to the length of season. Speaking of days, Lent (unlike Christmas) is based upon the lunar calendar. The lunar calendar, you see, is used to determine the date of Easter. It was the calendar used by the people in Israel in the time of Christ. Easter is celebrated in the Catholic Church on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the first day of spring. What does this have to do Lent? Well, when Easter moves, so does start of the season of Lent (Ash Wednesday) – which is “40 days” before Easter.
And the number 40 has a special significance in salvation history -- for instance Christ fasted for 40 days and nights in the desert before beginning his public ministry, and during that time he was tempted by and resisted the temptations by the Devil. We hear that reading from scripture during the First Sunday of Lent.
And the number 40 has a special significance in salvation history -- for instance Christ fasted for 40 days and nights in the desert before beginning his public ministry, and during that time he was tempted by and resisted the temptations by the Devil. We hear that reading from scripture during the First Sunday of Lent.
