Septuagesima Sunday is the ninth Sunday before Easter and the third Sunday before Ash Wednesday. The term “Septuagesima” comes from the Latin word for “seventieth” in that it falls within approximately seventy days before Easter. The other two Sundays in this period of the liturgical year are called Sexagesima and Quinquagesima.

The Septuagesima Season is a period of seventeen days that begins on Septuagesima Sunday and ends the day before Ash Wednesday. It is intended to be observed as a preparation for the season of Lent, which is itself a period of penance and spiritual preparation for Easter.