Lent 2024: What is Ash Wednesday and why do people give things up for Lent?

Millions of Christians all over the world will be marking the start of an important period of time on 14 February 2024.

That is because it is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in Western Christian churches.

During Lent, many people decide to give something up that they love - perhaps chocolate, sweets or even using social media.

Others might decide to take up something, like helping out more with chores at home or making an effort to do nice things for their family and friends.

This year, Lent starts on Wednesday 14 February and leads to Easter Sunday, on 31 March.

What is Lent?

Perhaps you may want to try and give up checking social media for the next 40 days?

Lent is a period of 40 days during which many Christians remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity.

The 40-day period is called Lent after an old English word meaning 'lengthen'.

This is because of the time of year when it happens, as this is when the days start to get longer, as we approach Summer.

It is a time of reflection and of asking for forgiveness, and when Christians prepare to celebrate Jesus's resurrection at the feast of Easter, which comes at the very end of Lent.

What is Ash Wednesday?

People are marked with ash on their foreheads during services on Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the day after Shrove Tuesday, which is also known as Pancake Day.

Exactly when Ash Wednesday is each year depends on when Easter is, so the date changes.

On Ash Wednesday, lots of churches hold special services where worshippers are marked on the forehead with ash and which is where the day gets its name from.

Typically, the ash is made from burning special crosses made out of palm wood, which were used in church services on the previous year's Palm Sunday. It is sometimes mixed with special oil.

How long is Lent?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 days of Lent, not including Sundays, leading up to Easter.

In 2024, Lent starts on 14 February and Easter Sunday is 31 March.

Palm crosses, like these ones, are burned to make ash, which can be used in Ash Wednesday services

Why do people give things up until Easter Sunday?

Millions of people do this during Lent as a sign of sacrifice and to test their self-discipline.

Christians believe that this is to represent Jesus Christ's sacrifice when he went into the desert to pray and fast for 40 days before later dying on the cross.

In the Bible's New Testament, while Jesus was there, Satan tempted him to turn away from God and worship him instead, but Jesus refused to, which is why people might give something up, in order to test their own self-discipline too.

This pictures shows Jesus in the desert being tempted by Satan

Lent ends with Holy Week, which leads to Easter Sunday - the most important day in the Christian calendar.

This day marks the resurrection of Jesus after his death on the cross, and is a celebration of his life.

Easter is celebrated by Christians all around the world.

There are special Easter services, meals with family and friends and in some cultures, Easter eggs are both given and received.