One of the holiest times of the year is upon us. The Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist, and Roman Catholic religions observe the Pre-Easter season. This time contains several traditions such as Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and of course, Easter. 

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the first event of the Easter season. It is the night before Lent begins; however, over time Mardi Gras has become a two week festival. Mardi Gras is celebrated to be able to purge and have a good time before Lent, a more somber time.

Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of being blessed by a clergy, then having ashes spread on your forehead. This day is meant for fasting. Ash Wednesday is the first official day of Lent. 

Lent is a period of 40 days and 40 nights. Many people give up a vice for Lent due to the fact that it is a time of abstinence. On Fridays during this time, those who observe can not eat meat, other than fish. As said in the popular movie Footloose,  "There is a time for every purpose under heaven. A time to laugh and a time to weep. A time to mourn and a time to dance." Lent is the time for silence.

Palm Sunday, one week before Easter, is a time where churches pass out palms to symbolize Jesus Christ's arrival in Jerusalem. 

Holy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter is the final day of Lent. It is meant to commemorate the Last Supper. 

Good Friday, the day that Jesus Christ was crucified, is observed three days before Easter. Much like Ash Wednesday, Good Friday is a day of fasting.

Finally, Easter is celebrated. Easter is celebrates Jesus's resurrection. Eostre is a goddess of Spring, who grants her name to the holiday. Easter is a time to spend time with loved ones and celebrate.