Christians around the globe are commencing their Lenten sacrifice, marking the start of Ash Wednesday. Lent, which spans from Wednesday, March 5, to Thursday, April 17, this year, is a 40-day period of abstinence and spiritual reflection to strengthen one's bond with God and prepare for Easter.

However, an interesting fact has emerged on TikTok, courtesy of user The Nerdy Priest, revealing that Sundays are exempt from the Lenten fast. She said: "I don't know who needs to hear this, but this is your reminder that Sundays are not counted in the Lenten fast. The 40 days of Lent do not count Sundays. Treat yourself."

Many users expressed surprise, one said: "I feel betrayed! Baptist raised and no one ever told me nothing!"

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Another said: "Why didn't I know this?! lol. I just went in my calendar to count." A third user added: "As a recovering Catholic......WHAT?!?!"

Writing in the Catholic Herald, Farther Kenneth Doyle said: "The Church has always viewed Sunday as a day of celebration in remembrance of the Resurrection, a kind of 'little Easter,' and has never required fasting on Sundays."

Similarly, Catholic Online highlights that some Catholics might stick to their Lenten sacrifices on Sundays, but it's not compulsory, as pausing the fast aligns with tradition. So, while you may lay off the sweet treats for Lent, Sundays are your day to delight guilt-free.

Britsuperstore confectionery specialist Richard Price said: "[During Lent] many choose to give up indulgences such as chocolate, sweets, alcohol, or social media as a form of spiritual reflection, or a test of self-discipline.

"However, while the total time from Ash Wednesday to Easter spans 47 days, the Church does not count Sundays as part of Lent. Lent is a fantastic opportunity to break an unhealthy habit, whether you are religious or not.

"And with this hidden secret that Sundays don't count, it becomes much more manageable."