What is Ash Wednesday and why do Christians wear ashes and give things up for Lent?
A very important time of year is about to begin for Christians.
With Easter on the horizon, the Lenten season is about to begin and it all gets underway with Ash Wednesday.
If you're unfamiliar with the Christian holiday, the celebratory ritual has been observed for centuries and continues to be a major part of Christian faith despite undergoing a few changes throughout the years.
Here is what you need to know about Ash Wednesday:
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When is Ash Wednesday 2023?
Ash Wednesday is on Feb. 22 in 2023.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Christians commonly celebrate Ash Wednesday with ashes on their forehead and fasting to start the Lenten season, according to britannica.com.
The practice reminds Christians of human mortality and the importance of reconciling with God.
When does Lent start in 2023?
Lent begins Feb. 22 and runs through April 6 in 2023.
According to britannica.com, the early Christian church observed Lent over a six-week period or 36 days with fasting except on Sundays. The practice was extended to 42 days in the 7th century to create 40 days of fasting that would emulate the fast of Jesus Christ while he was in the desert.
What is the meaning of the ashes?
According to christianity.com, the Bible references this in Genesis 2:7: "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
Therefore, ashes represent both death and repentance.
What is the purpose of ashes on the forehead?
The purpose of ashes dates back to early Roman practices, according to britannica.com.
Serious sinners and penitents began a public penance on the first day of Lent. These people wore sackcloth, were sprinkled with ashes and remained apart until they were reconciled with the Christian community.
During the 8th to 10th centuries, this practice fell by the wayside and the penitential season of Lent started being marked with ashes placed on the heads of the entire congregation.
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Where do the ashes for Ash Wednesday come from?
The ashes are gathered from burning the previous year's palm branches used during Palm Sunday, according to britannica.com. The modern-day Roman Catholic Church is credited for applying the ashes in the shape of a cross on the forehead.
Is Ash Wednesday a holy day of obligation?
Not according to britannica.com. While Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, it is the most commonly attended service on the Christian calendar for non-Sunday services.
Can I do Ash Wednesday if I'm not Catholic?
Yes. According to christianity.com, Catholic, Orthodox and many Protestant believers observe Ash Wednesday. But not all Protestant believers.
“The path of Lent — prayer, fasting, and generosity over a period of time—is heavily emphasized by the authors of and characters in the Bible, including Jesus. The Bible commands a lifestyle of worship and devotion that looks considerably like Lent. Therefore, while the word is absent in the Bible, the reality of Lent is woven throughout the whole of Scripture, as we have discovered."
christianity.com
Can you eat meat on Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is to be observed by fasting and abstinence, according to britannica.com. No meat is allowed and only one meal should be eaten on this day.
Can you wash off ashes after Ash Wednesday?
Absolutely. Keeping the ashes on the forehead is a choice and nobody is required to wear them after the practice is complete, according to uscatholic.org.
It is believed that many Christians keep the ashes on their forehead throughout the day as a witness to their faith. The thought is that when people ask about the ashes that an opportunity presents itself to share that faith with others.
When is Palm Sunday 2023?
Palm Sunday is April 2 in 2023.
When Is Maundy Thursday 2023?
Maundy Thursday is April 6 in 2023.
This is the final day of Lent for Christians and focuses on the remembrance of both the foot washing and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles.
When is Good Friday 2023?
Good Friday is April 7 in 2023.
This is when Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
When is Easter 2023?
Easter is on Sunday, April 9.
Easter is the Christian celebration of Jesus Christ's vitcory over sin and death through his resurrection.
Chris Sims is a digital producer for Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Ash Wednesday 2023: Why Christians wear ashes, give things up for Lent
