North Carolina, Raleigh- Lent is a time of reflection and penance that serves as spiritual preparation for Easter and occurs during the 40 days prior to Holy Week. During its celebration, there are signs and symbols that help the faithful to deepen their faith.
Here we bring you the meaning of some of the most representative symbolisms and signs of Lent, which begins with the Ash Wednesday and ends with the beginning of Holy Week.
Symbols and signs of Lent
It is estimated that there are 2,300 billion people in the world who identify as Christians. While there may be differences between Christian churches that practice Lent, such as Catholics and Orthodox churches, this means that a large number of people use the same symbols and signs during the season of Lent to commemorate each of them. the passages through which Christ passed.
Here we present some of the most widespread and what their meaning is during the time of Lent.
The symbol of the cross of ashes
It represents the "burning" or purging of sins that occurs before Lent arrives; the believer will now be ready to receive baptism. The imposition of ashes on the forehead is the traditional rite that marks the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday.
The color purple during Lent
Also know as purple of penance . It is the color that Jesus Christ wore on his robes during his Calvary, it is associated with penitence and suffering.
The fourth Sunday of Lent, also known in the liturgical calendar as "Laetare," is changed to pink, representing a pause or respite from the penitential demands.
El Palm Sunday The priests change their clothing to red, the color of fire and blood. In the context of Christianity, red represents the Holy Spirit and remembers the blood shed by and for Christ.
La Cruz
It is the most important symbol of Lent, it represents the advent of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem. It is the most important symbol of Lent, it is a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice through his death, repentance and spiritual renewal.
During Good Friday it is customary to cover the Cross and religious images with moderate cloth as a sign of Jesus' absence.
The Crown of Thorns
Its use during Lent in Holy Week processions is very common, especially in Latin American countries such as Mexico. The Crown of Thorns represents the passion and suffering that Jesus had to go through.
Palm Sunday Palms
Palm Sunday is the last Sunday of Lent and marks the beginning of Holy Week.
The palms commemorate Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, during which the faithful cut palm branches to place palm branches on his path. During this Sunday, palms are blessed and processions take place.
The Via Crucis
Via Crucis means "Way of the Cross," and it's typically practiced on Good Friday during Lent. It's a popular tradition widespread in Latin America that depicts Jesus' journey to the Cross in 14 stations or episodes.
Abstinence during Lent
Penance during Lent invites prayer, charity and abstinence. Tradition suggests not eating meat, eggs, or fish; in many churches abstinence and seclusion are practiced.
Why does Lent last 40 days?
The meaning of the 40 days of Lent is the time that Jesus Christ spent in the Judean Desert. Other historians also mention that it represents the days that the universal flood lasted, the 40 decades of slavery of the Hebrews in Egypt and the 40 years of the march of the people of Israel. These 40 days symbolize the period of testing that, in preparation for Jesus, devotees of the Catholic and Christian faith take advantage of to reflect on his faith.
Lent also marks the beginning of Paschal Triduum whose meaning is: passion, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.
Republish our stories for free on your website or newspaper. We follow the Creative Commons license. Click the box and follow the instructions.
