Liturgical Notes for This Season
The word Lent is derived from the Old English word lencten which means spring. The etymology of both lencten and the Modern English word lengthen are the same, so Lent is liturgical season during which the days are lengthening. The 40 day observance of Lent is derived from the 40 days of fasting that Moses, Elijah and Jesus undertook, as well as the 40 days of the Great Flood. In the Western Church, Sundays are not considered in the Lenten count and thus Ash Wednesday begins the first day of Lent.
There are many liturgical changes in this season. The color is purple or Lenten Array; which is a plain muslin with red orphreys. Altar appointments are simpler, less ornate vessels are used, and flowers are not displayed, except on Lent 4, Rose Sunday. During the entire season both the Gloria in excelsis Deo and “alleluia” are neither said nor sung; weddings and baptisms are not observed.
So there is a somber and serious tone to the worship during Lent, so that on Easter Day, when all is restored to the liturgy, the celebration of Resurrection seems even more glorious.