When Does Lent Start in 2025? A Complete Guide to the Date, Observances, and Traditions

Lent is one of the most important times in the Christian liturgical calendar, observed by millions of people around the world. It’s a time of reflection, penance, prayer, and fasting, leading up to Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For many, when does Lent start in 2025 is an essential question, as it marks the beginning of this sacred period.

In this post, we will explore when Lent starts in 2025, why the start date changes each year, and the meaning behind this season of spiritual preparation. We will also dive into the traditions associated with Lent, including fasting, prayer, and the customs observed in various Christian denominations. So, whether you are curious about the date or looking for more information on how to observe the season, this guide will provide all the answers.

The Date of Lent in 2025: When Does Lent Start?

When does Lent start in 2025? The answer is simple: Lent begins on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, which is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent and is a day of fasting and repentance for Christians. It is called Ash Wednesday because many Christians receive ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of mortality and penance.

The date of Ash Wednesday, and therefore the beginning of Lent, varies each year because it is based on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. The date of Easter changes each year, as it is calculated based on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. Therefore, when does Lent start in 2025 is determined by the date of Easter, which in 2025 falls on Sunday, April 20. Ash Wednesday, which is 46 days before Easter, will be on February 26.

Why Does the Date of Lent Change Every Year?

If you’re wondering why when does Lent start in 2025 is different from previous years, it’s because the start of Lent is not fixed to a particular calendar date. Instead, it is based on the lunar calendar and the timing of Easter. The date of Easter is determined by the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, which is around March 21 each year. This means the date of Easter can vary from March 22 to April 25, affecting the start of Lent.

Since Ash Wednesday falls 46 days before Easter (40 days of Lent plus six Sundays, which are not considered fasting days), the date for Ash Wednesday—and thus the start of Lent—changes from year to year. The variability in the start of Lent helps to maintain the connection between Easter and the preparatory season of Lent.

In 2025, because Easter falls on April 20, Ash Wednesday falls on February 26, 2025. This is the date to mark on your calendar as the beginning of Lent.

The Significance of Lent in the Christian Faith

Lent is an important time for Christians, both in terms of personal reflection and spiritual growth. When does Lent start in 2025 is significant because it marks the beginning of a season of repentance, self-discipline, and preparation for the celebration of Easter. For many, it is a time to grow closer to God, reflecting on the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness.

Lent is meant to imitate the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness, as described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. During this time, Jesus resisted temptation and prepared himself for his public ministry. Christians observe this 40-day period of Lent to remember Christ’s sacrifice and to prepare spiritually for the joy of Easter.

This period of penance and self-reflection is not just about fasting from food but also involves spiritual practices such as prayer, almsgiving (charity), and confession. It’s a time to refocus on one’s relationship with God and to seek spiritual renewal.

Key Observances and Traditions of Lent

Now that we’ve answered when does Lent start in 2025, let’s take a look at some of the traditions and observances that make up this season. Lent is marked by a series of rituals, customs, and practices that vary across Christian denominations. While some practices are universal, others are unique to particular branches of Christianity, such as Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism.

1. Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, and it’s a day of fasting and repentance. Christians attend church services where they receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. The ashes are often made from the burning of the palm branches used in the previous year’s Palm Sunday service. The imposition of ashes serves as a reminder of mortality, repentance, and the need for reconciliation with God.

2. Fasting and Abstinence

Fasting is one of the key observances during Lent. Many Christians choose to give up certain foods or habits as an act of penance and self-discipline. In Roman Catholicism, for example, Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Additionally, many Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent.

Fasting can vary in intensity. Some people may give up luxuries such as chocolate, social media, or other distractions, while others may commit to a stricter form of fasting by eating less food overall. The practice of fasting helps believers to focus on prayer and spiritual growth during the Lenten season.

3. Prayer and Reflection

Lent is a time for deep spiritual reflection and prayer. Many Christians dedicate more time to praying and attending church services during this period. Reflecting on Jesus’ time in the wilderness, believers seek to renew their faith and commit to living a more Christ-like life.

In addition to personal prayer, many Christian communities hold special Lenten services, such as Stations of the Cross, where the faithful meditate on Christ’s journey to the cross. These services help to deepen the connection between believers and the suffering of Christ, preparing them for the joy of Easter.

4. Almsgiving and Charity

Lent is also a time for giving to those in need. Almsgiving, or charity, is one of the key practices of Lent. Many Christians use this season as an opportunity to serve others and practice acts of kindness. Some Christians choose to donate money or goods to charities, volunteer their time, or help those in need.

The idea behind almsgiving is to show compassion for others and to recognize that the act of giving is an important way of following Christ’s teachings. It also helps believers focus on the needs of others rather than their own desires or comforts.

5. Holy Week and the Triduum

Holy Week, which culminates in Easter, is the final week of Lent. It includes significant events such as Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. These days commemorate the final events in the life of Jesus, including his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, his Last Supper with his disciples, his crucifixion, and his burial.

The Triduum, which refers to the three-day period leading up to Easter, begins on Maundy Thursday and ends with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. It is a time of deep reflection and solemn observance for Christians.

The Meaning of Lent for Christians

Lent holds profound meaning for Christians because it is a season of spiritual renewal. It is a time to focus on repentance, self-discipline, and preparing for Easter. During Lent, Christians are called to focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as ways of growing closer to God and deepening their faith.

In addition to individual spiritual growth, Lent also serves as a reminder of the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. By observing Lent, Christians are called to reflect on Christ’s suffering, death, and ultimate victory over sin and death. This period of reflection culminates in the celebration of Easter, when Christians rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus.

Conclusion

So, when does Lent start in 2025? Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2025, and lasts for 40 days (excluding Sundays) until Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. This sacred season provides Christians with the opportunity to reflect on their faith, repent for their sins, and prepare for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Whether you observe Lent through fasting, prayer, almsgiving, or other practices, it’s a time for spiritual renewal and growth. The start of Lent in 2025 invites all Christians to engage in a period of penance and reflection, seeking a closer relationship with God and preparing for the joyous celebration of Easter.

FAQs

1. When does Lent start in 2025? Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2025, which marks the start of the 40-day period of fasting and spiritual reflection leading up to Easter.

2. Why does the date of Lent change every year? The date of Lent changes because it is based on the timing of Easter, which is determined by the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.

3. What are some key traditions during Lent? Some key traditions of Lent include fasting, prayer, almsgiving (charity), attending special church services, and reflecting on the suffering of Christ.

4. What is Ash Wednesday? Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, marked by a church service in which Christians receive ashes on their foreheads as a sign of repentance and humility.

5. How long does Lent last? Lent lasts for 40 days, excluding Sundays, and culminates in Easter Sunday. The 40 days are symbolic of the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness.