Definition

Noun: - The Sunday before Ash Wednesday: In the Christian liturgical calendar, Quinquagesima is the Sunday occurring 50 days before Easter Sunday (calculated inclusively), marking the last Sunday before the beginning of Lent (Ash Wednesday). It is a traditional day of preparation for the Lenten season.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sermon on Quinquagesima focused on themes of repentance and preparation.
  • Quinquagesima, also called Shrove Sunday, precedes the start of the solemn Lenten fast.

Advanced Usage

• "Quinquagesima Sunday": The full traditional name for this liturgical day.
  • The liturgical color for Quinquagesima Sunday is often violet.
• Historical/Liturgical Context: The name derives from Latin , meaning "the fiftieth day" (before Easter). It is part of the pre-Lenten season that includes Septuagesima and Sexagesima Sundays.

Variants and Related Words

• Shrove Sunday: A synonym for Quinquagesima, particularly in Anglican and other Western Christian traditions.
• Pre-Lenten Season: The period including the three Sundays before Lent: Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima.

Synonyms

• Shrove Sunday: Emphasizes the tradition of being "shriven" (absolved of sins) before Lent.
• Estomihi (in some Lutheran traditions): From the Latin introit "Esto mihi," meaning "Be thou my strong rock."

Notes on Meaning

This term is specific to traditional Christian ecclesiastical calendars. In many modern Christian denominations, this Sunday is simply recognized as the "Sunday before Ash Wednesday" or as part of the "Transfiguration Sunday" readings, and the term "Quinquagesima" is less commonly used.

Noun

1. the Sunday before Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent)