I NOTED with interest the article by the Rev David Gray (SA, February 22), on the ‘true meaning of Lent’. But what exactly is ‘true’ in this context?

Lent is yet another example of ancient pagan rituals grafted on to the early evolving Christian Church. The word Lent is derived from the old Teutonic word Lens, meaning spring.

In antiquity the New Year began on March 25 at the vernal equinox, the adoption of January 1 was a decree of Julius Caesar. In 1155, during the reign of Henry III, the English New Year was moved from January 1 to March 25, the ancient day of celebration. The date reverted to January 1 during the calendar reform of September 1752. The point being that as the New Year drew near, the time was ripe for getting rid of evil spirits and making a fresh start in life. It was a period of stoically facing the future. Yet, one still ‘cursed’ with the temptations of the old year - the basis of the New Year resolution.

Originally the Lenten feast lasted only one week. Subsequently it was extended to three weeks. Finally by a decree of the Council of Aurelia in 519 AD, forty days were set aside in keeping with the 40-day fasts of other religions. Moses and Elijah supposedly fasted for that time. The ritual was also a commonplace among the many pagan religions, especially Mithraism. The Persians fasted for their Sun God, Mithra, as did the Egyptians for Horus. So, too, the Assyrians, who fasted for their resurrected saviour gods Adonis (Tammuz, [Ezek.8.14]).

Perhaps the Rev Gray and his cohorts could set us all an example by abstaining from promulgating the myths of antiquity under the guise of historical truths - at least for 40 days.

LARRY WRIGHT Burford Avenue Old Walcot Swindon