So...What about Lent?

Lent:noun

1. (in the Christian religion) an annual season of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday and lasting 40 weekdays to Easter, observed by Roman Catholic, Anglican, and certain other churches.

I've been pondering Lent.

What is it's historical origin? Are there "rules" for Lent? Who observes Lent? Should I observe Lent? How do I want to observe Lent?

This is a little of what I've learned thus far:

• The traditional color for Lent is purple.  Thus, this blog is purple.  
• Lent is 40 days long--but that does NOT include the Sundays (different churches have different traditions.)
• Many churches use candles, their lighting and extinguishing, symbolizing aspects of Lent/Easter.
• Fasting, either of food, vices or luxuries, is a traditional part of Lent.
• The Stations of the Cross are often remembered during Lent and Holy Week.
• Lent can also be a time of sacrificial serving of others.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is Feb. 18th.  Next week.  I'm going to observe Lent this year.  Care to join me?  Or, just follow along?  You are welcome!  I'll be posting what I am doing (or attempting to do) and maybe this will be a sort of outline for you as well.

I love the season of Advent in preparation for Christmas. I am hoping that observing Lent will help me to prepare my heart for Resurrection Sunday and cause it to be more meaningful to me.