An important religious time for millions of Christians across America is almost upon us.
Lent, the annual season to prepare for the celebration of Easter, begins on Feb. 18, orAsh Wednesday. The period of Lent is when many Christians of various denominations may fast, pray or give up certain activities as a means of growing closer to their faith.
Here's everything you need to know about Lent 2026 and what it means for you or neighbors who are observing.
When is Lent 2026?
The 40-day season begins on Feb. 18 and ends on April 2, or Holy Thursday, which precedes Good Friday on April 3 andEasterSunday on April 5.
Understanding the history and practice of Lent
Lent has historic roots: At the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325, the 40-day timeframe was set, rooted in the number 40's significance throughout the Bible, according to theMuseum of the Bible. Namely, that number references how Jesus spent 40 days and nights fasting and praying in the desert,the Bible says, growing closer to God.
The official start of the Catholic Lenten season was later set by Pope Gregory 1 in 601 A.D.,with the date to be 46 days before Easter.
The beginning of Lent for many Catholics is marked by Ash Wednesday, when faithfuls are blessed at a religious service with ash on their forehead to externally symbolize their transition into the spiritual season. Other Christian denominations may observe Ash Wednesday without the physical mark.
For the weeks leading up to Easter, which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion, followers of the Catholic Lenten rules fast, eating only one full meal, plus two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal, andcutting out meat on Fridays. The fastaims to mimicthe tests of faith demonstrated throughout the Bible, marking a time of service and reflection.
You may also hear of some Christians who "give something up for Lent," a practice intended to remind faithful of the suffering Jesus Christ endured toward the end of his life, according toThe United Methodist Church. Not all Christians make these lifestyle changes or fast during Lent — some may cut out alcohol, sweets or extra expenses in an effort to prioritize spirituality. Others may sacrifice nothing at all, but instead focus on prayer and community with fellow worshippers.
For Catholics, the intention of Lent is "interior renewal," Pope Benedict XVI said in amessage for Lent in 2008. He described the aim of the Lenten rules as "prayer, fasting and almsgiving," the latter referring to giving away to those less fortunate than you. In other Christian faiths, the purpose of this time differs: Baptists and Evangelicals, for example, typicallydo not observe Lenten rituals, because they are focused on actions explicitly stated in the Bible. Lent itself is not depicted in the Bible.
How to support yourself or others during Lent
In Catholicism, those who are 18 to 59 years old fast, and anyone 14 or older participates in abstaining from meat on Fridays.
But not all Christian denominations fast or give something up during Lent, and the practice canhave many interpretationsdepending on someone's spirituality, personal health and social circumstances. Some may give up consumption, for example, or that extra episode of a TV show before bed, if cutting food is not right for them. Lent has manyopportunities to swap in new habits, too, such as expanding faith education, serving one's community or giving to charity.
Christianity isn't the only religion that practices fasting this time of year. Muslims abstain from food and drink during Ramadan, from Feb 17 to March 18. Jews will fast for Passover from April 1 to April 9, cutting all leavened bread. And for many secular Americans, the weeks leading into spring can be a time for resetting.
If you are fasting, make sure you're drinking a lot of water, according to University of Texas Health Houston. Before a fast, focus on filling up with fiber, fat and protein to sustain your body with energy during low-intake periods. It may be a good idea to consult your doctor about whether fasting is healthy for you, and if it's not, you can think of something else to give up to mark this significant period.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:When is Lent 2026? Dates for Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter
