New Word Sunday: Quinquagesima & Shrovetide

Sunday, February 15

This Sunday precedes the beginning of Lent. Here are some trivia as we prepare to enter six weeks of Lent.

The Sunday before Ash Wednesday is called Quinquagesima Sunday, also known as Shrove Sunday, the last pre-Lenten Sunday marking the start of Shrovetide, a time of feasting before the Lenten fast begins, historically a day of confessing sins and celebrating before the solemn season of Lent.

The idea is that a family would eat and celebrate with food before Lent begins, presumably to use up the fat and sugar in the house and have less temptation during the traditional Lenten fast.

Some Key Details
"Quinquagesima" comes from Latin for "fiftieth," referring to its position approximately 50 days before Easter (counting Easter itself).

Purpose: It serves as the final Sunday before Lent begins, a transition from festive seasons to penitence, traditionally a time for feasting before the fast, hence "Shrove".

Part of Shrovetide: It kicks off Shrovetide, which includes Shrove Monday and Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday.  What does shrove even mean, though? Hit the link to find out.

Liturgical Color: Often violet, symbolizing penitence, though it's a final burst of festivity before Lent.

Modern Practice: While prominent in older traditions, the pre-Lenten Sundays (Septuagesima, Sexagesima, Quinquagesima) have been largely removed from the modern Roman Catholic calendar but remain in some Protestant denominations.

Pray and Prepare

Jesus fasted. We also ought to.  Matthew says in his gospel, Mt. 4:2, Jesus fasted for 40 days, and he was hungry.  Talk about an understatement!  Matthew shares Jesus' humanity. Jesus was tested and can relate to each and every human.

What do you need to enjoy, and then go without? Media, movies? processed sugar...? I know, New Year's resolutions have been a big deal, but what if you got still for 5-10 minutes and prayed, "What do I need to lay down for a season... What would benefit me to leave behind for at least 40 days?"  What could come of praying that for a couple of days, then begin Lent on Feb 18, ready to go? 

Please give this consideration; it is worth letting go of things that have been unhealthy spiritually or mentally.  And this isn't a new years resolution, its just laying it aside for 40 days or so.  Take a couple days to consider what that might be for you.  Feel free to comment what you will lay aside during Lent.  But don't rush it, take time to consider it and consecrate 2026 and ask God for support during Lent to live without something that's been a distraction.