When is Lent?
Lent lasts for 40 days (not including Sundays). It is the time when Christians prepare for Easter by
thinking of the things they have done wrong. It is a solemn time which reminds them of the time in
Jesus' life when, after giving up his work as a carpenter, he began to teach people about God. Jesus
prepared for this by spending 40 days without food alone in the desert.
Lent used to be a time for fasting or going without food as Jesus had done. Nowadays many people give
up a favourite thing they enjoy like sweets and often give money to charity.
The colour purple is linked to Lent. In some churches the altar is covered with a purple cloth, the
pulpit has a purple 'fall' and the vicar's garments are purple.
Purple is chosen for two reasons. One it is the colour associated with mourning and so it helps
Christians think about the sadness of Jesus’ death. The other reason is that purple is the colour
linked to royalty and so it celebrates Christ’s coming as a King.
Altar Frontal
The Stole
Lent Chasuble
The first day of Lent is Ash Wednesday.