Lent

In Western Christianity, Lent is the period before the Christian holy day of Easter. Eastern Christianity calls this period Great Lent, to distinguish it from the Winter Lent or Advent that precedes Christmas (though in Greek, the two periods are the "Great Fast" and the "Nativity Fast"). The rest of this article will discuss Lent as it is understood and practiced in Western Christianity, except when as noted.

Reference

• Catholic Encyclopedia, 1908: Lent. Historical development.