Pre-Lent

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Print, book-illustration (BM 1927,0210.8)

Pre-Lent is a period in the liturgical calendar of some Christian denominations that precedes the season of Lent. This period is observed primarily in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Eastern Catholic Churches, and some Western Christian traditions. Pre-Lent serves as a time of preparation for the penitential season of Lent, which culminates in the celebration of Easter.

Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Traditions[edit | edit source]

In the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches that follow the Byzantine Rite, Pre-Lent is known as the Triodion period. It begins three weeks before the start of Lent and includes the following Sundays:

Western Christian Traditions[edit | edit source]

In some Western Christian traditions, particularly those of the Anglican Communion and the Lutheran Church, a similar preparatory period exists, though it is less formally structured than in the Eastern traditions. This period may include:

  • Septuagesima: Approximately seventy days before Easter, marking the beginning of the pre-Lenten season.
  • Sexagesima: Approximately sixty days before Easter.
  • Quinquagesima: Approximately fifty days before Easter, immediately preceding Ash Wednesday.

Significance[edit | edit source]

The Pre-Lent period is significant as it provides a time for Christians to prepare spiritually for the rigors of Lent. It is a time for reflection, repentance, and the cultivation of virtues such as humility, forgiveness, and charity. The themes and readings during this period are designed to help the faithful enter Lent with a proper mindset and heart.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD