First day of Lent. What Does the Word ‘Lent’ Mean? “‘Lent’ is a shortened version of the Old English word ‘lencten’, a word which simply means spring (in relation to the season). It is thought to have Germanic roots and seems likely to have been used to describe the season when the days began to lengthen, signifying new life and renewal. Over time, the word Lent came to be linked specifically to the Christian tradition of fasting before Easter, which always coincided with the spring.” Who Celebrates Lent? Both Catholics and Protestants celebrate Lent; Lent is more popular among Catholic...