Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, an important time for Christians leading up to Easter. Here's what to know.

Ash Wednesday, which signals the 40-day period leading up to Easter called Lent, falls on March 5 this year. During Lent, some Christians give up a pleasure, such as sugary treats, wine or television.

The name “Lent” is from the Middle English “Lencten,” meaning spring, and the time is dedicated to personal reflection and preparation for Easter. One of the main components of Lent is ...

Lent ends with Holy Week and Easter Sunday, an important day in the Christian calendar that honors the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion on the cross, per BBC.