Lent
/lɛnt/noun
A Christian observance lasting approximately 40 days leading up to Easter, marked by fasting and reflection.
Did you know?The name 'Lent' originates from the Old English 'lencten', meaning 'spring', reflecting a time of renewal and sacrifice, echoing ancient rituals of rebirth and fertility.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
Old English
lencten
“The season of spring, associated with lengthening days.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*langwīka
“The period of lengthening or growing.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*lengʰ-
“To grow long, to extend, hinting at the growth cycle of nature.”
14th Century
Middle English
Lenten
“Referring to the Lenten season of fasting and penance.”
Modern English
English
Lent
“The established Christian observance prior to Easter, marked by fasting and spiritual reflection.”
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