What Marks the End of the Lent Period? Understanding Lent and Easter
Discover when Lent ends and why Easter Sunday marks the culmination of this important Christian season.
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The end of the Lent period is marked by Easter Sunday. Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that starts on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. However, since Sundays are not counted in the 40 days, Lent technically ends on Holy Thursday but the Lenten fasting and penance extend until Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, making Easter Sunday a significant celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and the conclusion of the Lenten journey.
FAQs & Answers
- When does Lent officially start and end? Lent officially starts on Ash Wednesday and traditionally ends on Holy Saturday, with the Lenten fast and penance extending until the Easter Vigil on Saturday night.
- Why is Easter Sunday important in the Lent period? Easter Sunday marks the conclusion of Lent and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, signifying the end of the 40-day period of fasting and penitence.
- Are Sundays included in the 40 days of Lent? No, Sundays are not counted in the 40 days of Lent; this is why the Lent period extends longer than 40 calendar days.