Meaning:
* Lent refers to the forty-day period of fasting and penitence in the Christian liturgical calendar, preceding Easter.
* Lent can also be used more broadly to describe a period of time when something is given up or withheld.
Origin and Evolution:
* Proto-Germanic "*langwintr": This word originally referred to the time of year when days were short and cold, a period of hardship and scarcity.
* Old English "lencten": This word adopted the meaning of "spring" as the season of renewed life and growth after the long winter.
* Middle English "lent": This word continued to evolve, acquiring its current meaning of the forty-day period of fasting before Easter.
Connection to Spring:
The connection to spring is significant because Lent, as a period of fasting and preparation, is seen as a time to "purify" oneself before celebrating the resurrection of Christ at Easter. The springtime renewal of nature symbolizes the spiritual renewal that Lent is meant to bring.
In Summary:
The word "lent" has a fascinating history that reflects the changing seasons and the evolution of religious practice. It originally referred to the long winter, but eventually came to be associated with the period of fasting and preparation that precedes Easter, reflecting the spiritual renewal that accompanies spring.