many christian churches have a 40-day "season" of fasting called lent, in which christians prepare for easter which is one of the two most important feasts in the christian year (the other being christmas). easter is in late march or april. lent always begins on a wednesday, which is called ash wednesday in february or march. on that day, many people go to church and have some ash smeared on their forehead as a sign of sorrow for their sins. then for 40 days, they try to work hard on improving themselves and thinking about the teachings of jesus. it is usual for people to "give up" something for lent. they might stop smoking or stop watching tv so they can spend more time reading the bible or talking with the family. many people give up all their favourite foods and have no cake, wine, beer, chocolate, ice cream or other luxury foods.