By Pippa, Chloe and Emily Lent By Pippa, Chloe and Emily

What is lent? It is a period of 40 days, starting on Ash Wednesday and ending before Easter. Lent is an old English word meaning 'lengthen'. Lent is observed in spring when the days begin to get longer. Season of reflection and preparation before the celebration of Easter. It is marked by fasting either from food or festivities (e.g chocolate or watching TV). Churches that participate in Lent use it as a time for prayer and penance. The denominations that participate are: Anglican, Eastern orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist and Catholic. In the words of Pope Francis: "Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy."

Why is it 40 days? 40 is a significant number in Christianity for various reasons: -In Genesis, the flood which destroyed the earth was brought about by 40 days and nights of rain. -The Hebrews spent 40 years in the wilderness before reaching the land promised to them by God. -Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the 10 commandments. -Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry. Most Christians regard Jesus's time in the wilderness as the key event for the duration of Lent.

How is it celebrated? By replicating Jesus's fast- ignoring temptation and only praying to God e.g. giving up certain foods. Also if they give up a certain bad habit or activity they may work to spend their time doing something more useful. Making an extra effort to go to Church and to pray more. They may try to do something good every day rather than giving something up, an example of this is the 40 acts challenge, where everyday people must demonstrate kindness or generosity during Lent. There are Eucharist services on Ash Wednesday to mark the start. Worshippers have Ash crosses marked on their heads to represent the ashes from the palm crosses burnt. The Orthodox Church doesn't celebrate the Divine Liturgy throughout Lent, this because it is a celebration of the risen Lord, but Lent is before Jesus died. However, they fast, not eating cheese or meat.

Why is it celebrated? To abstain from certain indulgences and instead use the time to reflect on religion and spirit. To reflect on Jesus's period of fasting and to gain a sense of what he went through, to show that they too can resist temptation. To remember the events leading up to Jesus's crucifixion.

We have a short video… https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_--3uVQ_TuA