3 things to know about Ash Wednesday's changing traditions

Lent, which lasts 40 days not including Sundays, is a season of prayer, penance and fasting in preparation for the Easter season.

But the tradition has changed throughout the years. It's less strict than it used to be.

By the dates

• Ash Wednesday: February 26

• Palm Sunday: April 5

• Good Friday: April 10

• Holy Saturday: April 11

• Easter: April 12

Many Christians still fast today, but it's a lot different.

Instead, they give up watching TV, their social media accounts, drinking soda, alcohol or other pleasurable activities until the fasting ends on Holy Saturday.

In the Eastern Church, Lent begins on the Monday of the seventh week before Easter (Feb. 24 this year) and ends on the Friday before Palm Sunday.

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