From early Christian times the significance of Easter has been underscored by the importance of the liturgical season leading up to it. This has come to be called Lent (from the Anglo-Saxon word "lencten" "to lengthen"), because at this time of year the days begin to lengthen noticeably.

Lent is a season of preparation for Easter, the annual celebration of the resurrection. It has come to be a time of reflection, confession and fasting.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It derives its name from the sackcloth and ashes worn by the Old Testament prophets as a call to solemn repentance. In many churches it is customary for the minister to put ashes on worshipers' foreheads.

Ash Wednesday commences a 40-day holy period culminating with Easter Sunday. This reflects Christ's 40 days in the wilderness where he consecrated himself to God's mission which would lead him to the cross.

Leading up to Easter is "Holy Week," or "Passion Week." It begins with Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus' final entry into Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday (from the Latin word "mandatum" "command") focuses on the Lord's Supper, wherein Christ commanded his disciples to love one another. Lastly, there is Good Friday, the most solemn holy day of Christianity, because it recalls the crucifixion. Black, the color of mourning, is traditionally used, then replaced with white on Easter Sunday a dramatical symbol of the purity Christ brings to the believer's life through His resurrection.

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