Lent is a period of different types of fasting, which includes giving up meals, particular food groups, items or leisurely activities. This also depends on the religion, church and a person's own morals and ethics regarding Lent.
Some people like to give up sweets, soda, video games or TV during the spring period of Lent, while others take it more seriously by not eating for several days out of the week. There are also different types of rules on what you can and cannot eat during Lent, but that also depends on the particular church you're involved with. For example, Eastern Orthodox Churches are more strict regarding Lent rules than Roman Catholic Churches.
Lent is observed during the spring months, right before Easter. Aside from fasting, it also involves enhancing and maintaining a spiritual connection with the Lord. This can be through various activities, such as reading certain scriptures of the Bible or going on prayer walks.
In this quiz, we'll take a look at the history of Lent, the types of "rules" that certain churches follow and what should not be consumed in terms of food and drinks. If you think you're an expert on Lent, try and score 90 percent on this quiz now!
When does Lent start?
On Ash Wednesday
Lent starts on Ash Wednesday. It is considered to be 46 days long (Sundays don't count), and goes until Easter.
On Fat Tuesday, a big party is held in New Orleans, Louisiana, which is known as Mardi Gras. This is a day of overindulgence in eating and drinking and eating​ since Lent starts the day after (on Ash Wednesday).
According to old Catholic tradition, what can't you eat during Lent?
Warm-blooded animals
Mammals are warm-blooded creatures and should not be consumed during Lent, according to old Catholic tradition. Examples of warm-blooded animals include pigs and chicken.
An Easter bunny and fun-colored eggs are part of the non-religious festivities associated with Easter Sunday. This was the day when Jesus rose from the dead.
Which of the following are you supposed to give up for Lent?
TV
Candy
Any leisurely activity or item
Lent is about honoring the fasting that Jesus went through for 40 days in the desert. Although there are certain days of fasting during Lent, the tradition is now more about giving up any leisurely activity or item.
Overindulgence is NOT part of Lent, but it is a part of Fat Tuesday, which occurs the day before Lent begins. Acts of charity are also a big part of Lent, such as giving away money or toys.
According to the Conference of Catholic Bishops, what is considered fasting on Ash Wednesday?
Consuming several meals that contain meat
Consuming one meal that may also contain meat
Consuming one meal that doesn't contain meat
Those who follow Lent practices according to the Conference of Catholic Bishops should only eat one meal during Ash Wednesday (and Good Friday). This meal must not have meat in it.
Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate "Great Lent," which lasts for 40 days. With "Great Lent," the tradition starts on a Monday and ends on a Friday, and also includes both Saturdays and Sundays.
During 325 CE, the First Council of Nicaea took place, which made Lent official. Now known as İznik,Turkey, Nicaea was where this first council was held.
During the early days of Lent, when were you allowed to consume your one meal?
During the evening
During the early days of Lent, you had to wait until the evenings to consume your meal. Only one meal was allowed, which only occur now on Good Friday and Ash Wednesday.
When did the Roman Catholics become more lenient regarding traditional Lenten rules?
During WWI
During WWII
During WWII, the Roman Catholics became more lenient regarding traditional Lenten rules. This meant that only Ash Wednesday and Good Friday were "strict" days of fasting.
Which of these churches does NOT traditionally observe Lent?
Roman Catholic
Lutheran
Evangelical
Evangelical churches don't traditionally observe Lent. Many other types of Protestants also don't traditionally observe Lent, as well as some nondenominational churches.
The "Book of Common Prayer" is studied and practiced by Anglican churches. What does this book say regarding Lent?
The duration of Lent is only 36 days.
One should give up an item or leisurely activity during Lent.
One should not have to fast during Lent.
Lent should be practiced along with fasting.
According to the "Book of Common Prayer," Anglicans should fast during Lent. Other churches, like Lutheran, denote giving up an item or activity during Lent.
"Cheesefare Week" refers to the week _______ Lent.
Before
The week before Lent is known as "Cheesefare Week," which is also called "Pancake Week." This is the week of preparation for fasting for Eastern Orthodox churches.
Abstaining from media, such as movies and TV shows
If someone is on a "media" fast during Lent, that means that the person has chosen to give up certain aspects of media. This includes movies, TV shows, video games, the news, etc.
Indulging in a variety of media, including video games and movies
Not consuming any liquid for one to two days out of the week
Giving up a food item
If someone is on a "partial" fast during Lent, this refers to giving up a certain food group. This could be anything from soda, candy, gluten, carbs, sugar, etc.
Fasting entirely for one to two days out of the week
Which of the following is NOT a practice during Lent?
Fasting
Overindulgence
Overindulgence is not one of the three practices of Lent, and is the opposite of what Lent is supposed to be about. The rest of the answers are, in fact, the three practices of Lent.
According to the Roman Catholic Church, which of these days does NOT make up the Easter Triduum?
Holy Saturday
Holy Thursday
Clean Monday
Clean Monday is not part of the Easter Triduum, which consists of the evening from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. This counts as three evenings, or three days long.
When someone fasts from entire meals one to two days of the week
A "whole" fast refers to not eating for one to two days out of the week. This is different from a "partial" fast, which refers to giving up a particular food group.