Lent is a solemn religious observance in the liturgical calendar commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring the temptation by satan, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, before beginning his public ministry. Lent is observed in the Anglican , Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, Moravian, Oriental Orthodox, Persian, United Protestant, and Roman Catholic traditions.

Lent has distinctly Roman Catholic background. The Baptist and Church of Christ do not observe Lent as a denomination.

Lent is often thought of as a period of abstinence, sacrifice and fasting.

Lent begins this year on February 22.