Nathan Hale's List: Liturgical Calendar

Lent is the period of fasting leading up to the feast of Easter, recalling Jesus' 40-day fast in the wilderness. Catholic Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends right before the evening Masses of Holy Thursday, although Lenten penance continues through Holy Saturday.

Liturgical Color(s): Violet (Purple)
  Type of Holiday: Fast
  Time of Year: Immediately following Ordinary Time after Epiphany; varies
 Duration: Liturgically Lent lasts 44 Days, begins on Ash Wednesday and ends before the Paschal Triduum (and includes Sundays). The traditional Lenten fast is observed for 40 days, starting on Ash Wednesday, going through Holy Week, excluding Sundays.
  Celebrates/Symbolizes: Jesus' wilderness fast; Preparation for Easter
  Alternate Names: Great Lent
 Scriptural References: Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the penitential season of Lent, in which ashes are placed on the head or forehead of the faithful. It is a fast day and usually falls in February.

Liturgical Color(s): Violet (Purple)
  Type of Holiday: Fast
  Time of Year: The first day of Lent
  Duration: One day
 Celebrates/Symbolizes: Repentance, Sorrow, Humility
 Alternate Names: dies cinerum (Day of Ashes)
  Scriptural References: Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13; Esther 4:1-3