Lent is a Christian period of time after Mardi Gras or Carnival that lasts until Easter, usually about 6 weeks or 40 days. For Christians, this is a time to fast and/or give up certain luxuries as a form of penitence. There are various reasons for Lenton practices, usually having to do with the trials of Jesus Christ before his death and resurrection   Catholics often it is abstain from red meat every Friday for the duration of Lent, and instead they often eat fish.