Ash Wednesday: What you need to know about the Christian tradition that marks the beginning of Lent

On Wednesday, many Christians will come to work with ashes on their foreheads. Many others will head to church on their lunch break or after work to receive an ashes cross on their face.

But what is the purpose of the centuries-old Christian tradition?

What is Ash Wednesday?

In Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the holy season of Lent, a time of reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter.

Christians of many denominations recognize the sacred season during the 40 days leading up to Easter. For centuries, Christians have received the sign of the cross with ashes on their foreheads at the beginning of this season as a reminder of mortal errors and an invitation to receive God’s forgiveness. The tradition has its origins in the Old Testament, where sinners performed acts of public penance.

The use of ashes is to remind parishioners of their mortality. During the service on Ash Wednesday, the phrase “Remember, man, that you are dust and to dust you shall return” from the Book of Genesis is traditionally used.

The Reverend Gregory Wilson, pastor of St. Mary Help Christians Catholic Church in Aiken, South Carolina, suggests that believers keep two things in mind when observing Ash Wednesday: prayer and sacrifice.

“Prayer,” Wilson said, “purifies intentions and links everything back to God. Fasting drives people away from comfort and themselves, in turn, makes them “greedy for God, His righteousness and holiness.”

Wilson urges Christians to take the time to pray, not so that “people always have time for what they want to do.”

“We make time for these things because they are priority and necessary in life, and you know what? So is prayer. Prayer is like air to the lungs of a Christian. So do not try to find time – have time.

When is Ash Wednesday 2023?

This year Ash Wednesday falls on February 22, 2023.

About 25% of Americans observe Great Lent, the annual period of prayer and fasting, during the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday. Here’s what you should know.

What is Great Lent?

Lent is the annual period of Christian observance that precedes Easter. The dates of Lent are determined by the date of Easter, which is a movable holiday, meaning that it falls on a different date each year. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and is observed for 40 days, excluding Sundays. This year Lent ends on Thursday, April 6th.

Catholics began the tradition of Lent around 325 during the Council of Nicaea, but it spread to other Christian denominations, including Western Orthodox Churches, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Anglicans, among others.

During Lent, Christians give up things like habits, food, and drink. The origins of the tradition go back to the 40 days of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness.

Lent comes from the Middle English word “lente” which means “spring” and signals the arrival of spring.

What is Fat Tuesday?

On the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, people tend to eat rich foods in large quantities before fasting, which is a key component of Lent. Hence the name Fat Tuesday.

What is the official color or Lent?

Purple or violet is the official color of Lent. It represents the mourning for the death of Jesus on the cross, as well as the celebration of his resurrection with royal flowers.


The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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