Valentine's day is on Ash Wednesday this year, what does that mean for Christians
Valentine's Day will bring hearts, candy and lots of love to South Jersey, but, for Christians in the area, Wednesday has another meaning this year.
Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, coincides with Valentine's Day this year, and some Christians may have to keep the V-Day celebrations for a later date.
Can you celebrate Valentine's Day on Ash Wednesday?
Worshippers aged 18-59 are expected to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday as well as only eat one meal during the day, depending on the recommendations of their church.
While some observers of Ash Wednesday may be more lenient in their practices than others, those who follow the traditional guidelines of fasting on the holiday and attending service to get their ashes may want to rethink their Valentine's Day dinner dates.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the first day of the Catholic Lenten calendar. The name is representative of the Catholic tradition to have their foreheads marked with ashes during a special service. They are also encouraged to repent their sins, go to confession and devote themselves to God.
These ashes are typically derived from leftover Palm Sunday palms and can be mixed with holy water or chrism oil.
Ash Wednesday occurs six and a half weeks before Easter.
What is Lent?
Lent is one of the seasons of the Catholic Liturgical calendar. This season takes place over 40 days, excluding Sundays, leading up to the Easter holiday.
During Lent, those practicing are encouraged to abstain from meat on Fridays, make a Lenten promise or sacrifice and prepare themselves spiritually for the resurrection of Christ on Easter.
This is a season of penance and discipline for those who observe, and it reflects the sacrifices Christians believe Jesus made during his 40 days in the desert.
"We enter the desert of Lent like Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit, to face our devils, our temptations head on. But we are not alone. The Lord Jesus Christ is with us," said Most Reverend David M. O'Connell, Bishop of Trenton, in the Lenten guidelines annually issued and posted to the diocese website.
Who celebrates Lent?
Catholics and some other Christian denominations participate in Lent.
These include Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans and Methodists.
When is Easter?
This year, Easter will be celebrated on Sunday, March 31.
Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Valentine's Day, Ash Wednesday coincide to begin the Lenten season
