On the first day of the lenten campaign, Catholics around the world gather in churches for masses during which their foreheads are marked with ashes.
This symbol serves as a reminder of their faith and commitment to repentance.
During this period, Catholics confess their sins and profess their devotion to God.
Source of the ash used
The ashes used for the cross are made from blessed palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday, symbolizing the cycle of life and the continuity of tradition.
This reflects the Christian belief that humans came from dust and to dust they will return until they are raised by Christ Jesus.
The symbolism centers on the core belief of rebirth, which is the essence of the Easter season.
During Ash Wednesday, a priest places the ashes on the forehead with the words, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
As a sacrifice, many Catholics will not eat meat, and some will give up one meal during the day.
This year, Ash Wednesday falls on March 5.
What is Lent?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) meant to mirror the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert.
Lent is described as “40 days and 40 nights” but lasts 46 days because Sundays are not included in the 40-day tally between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.
This is because fasting is not allowed on Sundays, which are permanent feast days and are reserved for celebrating Jesus's victory over sin and death.
The Lenten season ends the day before Easter Sunday, which will fall on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Traditional Lenten practices include fasting, prayer and acts of charity, all of which help Christians develop self-control, empathy and a greater sense of compassion.
During this period, believers have to give up something they treasure or something that they feel like they should let go.
They opt to increase things such as prayer, reading scripture and serving others.
Not all Christian denominations observe Ash Wednesday and Lent, as it is strongly associated with Catholicism, but some Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopal and Presbyterian churches also participate.
During Lent, some worshipers abstain from eating flesh meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and each Friday.
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis said worshipers abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent to honor Jesus for sacrificing his flesh on Good Friday.
Flesh meat includes beef, pork, chicken and turkey. Fish is not considered flesh meat. Non-flesh products, like milk, cheese, butter and eggs, are not prohibited during Lent.
