The Lenten season is about to start. So what does that mean? The Lenten season is a time that Christians observe before Easter. It’s like a special time of preparation and reflection. Lent usually lasts for 40 days, symbolizing the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert.
Last year, we covered Lent in “What to Know About the Lenten Season.” We are revisiting that and adding a little more to dive deeper into Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday this time of the year.
Fat Tuesday
February 13, 2024
Fat Tuesday is also known as a part of Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday can be called Shrove Tuesday, Carnival Tuesday, or even Pancake Tuesday. Fat Tuesday refers to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday.
Fat Tuesday is most famously associated with New Orleans, where it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and has become a significant part of the city’s cultural identity. While Portland is far from New Orleans, you can still celebrate Fat Tuesday here.
Another important aspect of Fat Tuesday is the consumption of traditional food and drinks. In New Orleans, popular dishes include king cake, a sweet pastry decorated with colored icing and sometimes filled with cream or fruit. The cake often contains a small plastic baby figurine; if you find it, you are royalty for the day (or at least the lucky one). Other traditional foods include gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.
Here are some area restaurants to check out for Fat Tuesday:
To get some New Orleans flavor, go to Gris Gris Kitchen. They are already sold out of their King Cakes, but they have some savory treats available. They even have cooking classes!
La Provence has special seasonal treats and something they call the “Mardi Gras Cake.” This is a great way to get your Fat Tuesday going! You need to order at least three days in advance.
Oh, Freddie’s has our back for King Cakes. Check to see if your local store has some to purchase on your next grocery run.
Ash Wednesday (the Beginning of Lent)
February 14, 2024
This day marks the commencement of Lent, leading up to Easter Sunday. Churches throughout the city will offer Ash Wednesday services, where individuals can receive ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of penance, humility, and the desire for spiritual renewal.
Ash Wednesday holds significant religious and cultural importance for millions of Christians worldwide. It marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a period of reflection, fasting, and preparation for Easter.
Palm Sunday
March 24, 2024
Palm Sunday is also called Passion Sunday. Palm Sunday begins Holy Week and falls on the Sunday preceding Easter. It is a significant occasion that commemorates the triumphant arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. In many churches, Palm Sunday is celebrated with a special ritual involving the blessing and procession of palm branches. During this ceremony, participants joyfully wave palm branches in the air, expressing their reverence and enthusiasm.
Maundy Thursday
March 28, 2024
Maundy Thursday is a sacred day that honors the Last Supper, a significant event where Jesus Christ taught the sacrament of Holy Communion. It is a time to reflect on the profound meaning of this meal shared among Jesus and his disciples. Additionally, Maundy Thursday is marked by the symbolic act of washing the feet, representing Jesus’ humility and servanthood. Many congregations observe this day by holding special services dedicated to prayer, reflection, and contemplation.
Good Friday
March 29, 2024
Good Friday, which takes place before Easter, holds deep significance as it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day observed by many congregations, often characterized by special services held in spaces that are draped in black, symbolizing mourning and reverence. During these services, followers reflect upon the profound sacrifice made.
Easter
March 31, 2024
This is the day we are counting down for! Easter Sunday is the day that Protestants and Catholics celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday is a day of celebration. The dark shrouds are removed. There is typically an overabundance of flowers. It is a day of joy and life.
The Lenten season and the holidays leading up to Easter hold deep meaning for those who observe. Whether it’s enjoying the rituals of Fat Tuesday, receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday, waving palm branches on Palm Sunday, commemorating the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, reflecting on the crucifixion on Good Friday, or celebrating the resurrection on Easter Sunday, these traditions provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection, growth, and celebration.
Johanna is married with two kids, three dogs, three cats, one leopard gecko, several chickens, and a few fish. She has been in the Pacific Northwest since the dream was alive in the 90s but has Southern roots and hails from Arkansas. The family spends a lot of time at some sort of sporting event for the kids. Johanna likes to fast craft, garden, host parties, and bake. Johanna and her crew go hard traveling, DIY-ing, and are always up for a new adventure or challenge.