Lent Fasting And Abstinence Rules: How To Start Penance On Ash Wednesday

Lent begins on Wednesday. The day, also known as Ash Wednesday, marks the start of the 40 days of fasting when practicing Christians are expected to "give something up." During this time, they are also instructed to abstain from meat on Fridays.

Lent ends three days before Easter Sunday on April 14. The date changes every year as Lent always starts exactly 46 days before Easter Sunday. The last week of Lent is celebrated a bit differently, and is called the Holy Week. It kicks off with Palm Sunday on Sunday, April 10, 2022.

The tradition of penance began as a commemoration of Jesus' sacrifice during his time in the Judean desert. According to Father William Saunders of the Catholic Education Resource Center, "the number 40 has always had special spiritual significance regarding preparation ... most importantly, Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert before He began His public ministry (Matthew 4:2)."

According to the Code of Canon Law, a guide created by the Vatican, people who are 18-59 years are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Catholics aged 14 and older should abstain from meat on Ash Wednesdays and all the Fridays during Lent, especially Good Friday.

While poultry, beef, pork and more cannot be consumed, dairy products are allowed. This includes eggs and condiments and dressings that are made from animal fat. During Lent, people are usually expected to give up some vices like alcohol or smoking.

The most important part of Lent is for Catholics to forgive each other and demonstrate their love. During this time, followers are recommended to go to mass daily or several times a week.

On the first day of Lent, priests gather ashes from the previous year's Palm Sunday and rub them on congregants' foreheads. They also cite Genesis 3:19: "...For you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

Some positive habits to be practiced during this time include: