MACON, Ga. — The Lenten season begins Wednesday, on Ash Wednesday, in preparation for Easter.
Tuesday is known as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, the last celebration before Lent begins.
But what does that mean?
Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and commitment. It's a period of preparation to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, also known as Easter.
Pastor Ben Wells of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Macon says the Lenten season focuses on self-reflection and forgiveness.
"It's God and relationships and neighbors", Pastor Wells said. "The Resurrection is all about God's love."
There are many ways to observe Lent, from giving things up to focusing on improving an element of one's faith.
"I think the fasting and the gratitude and the repentance is all about bringing us back, aligning us back with Christ's commandment; Love one another as I have loved you," Pastor Wells said. "This is the season where we are asked to self-reflect, to forgive people, to make a conscious effort to forgive people. Even if they don't forgive you, you forgive them and also ask for forgiveness."
When it comes to clergy member Tammy Pallot, she has been a member of St. Francis for over 20 years.
"For me, I try to give something up and take something on," Pallot said. "We came from dust and to dust we shall return."
Pallot says the Lenten season is surprisingly her favorite liturgical time of the year, especially Ash Wednesday.
Since the season is focused on selflessness and community, Pallot said she plans to take on a bible study class during the Lenten season.
"It is absolutely a time of humbling yourself," Pallot said. "A time for pulling your ego back in and thinking about how you can be a better person and how can you make this world a better place is really what it comes down to."
The Lenten season ends on March 31. You can find plenty of ways to observe the season by visiting local church websites for more information.