LENT (also referred to as the Great Lent in Orthodox Christian traditions) is the period from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday; it lasts six and a half weeks. The final week of Lent is called Holy Week. During this period, observant Christians reflect specifically on the last days of Jesus Christ's life. During Lent, Christians purify themselves by praying, fasting, repenting of their sins, and making changes and sacrifices in their lives.