By PETER SMITH, Associated Press
This is Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of fasting and reflection that marks the beginning of Lent, the most penitent season on the calendar of the Catholic church and many other Christians.
On Ash Wednesday, many Christians go to church for a service that emphasizes the beginning of a season of reflection, self-sacrifice and repentance from sin.
Worshipers receive ashes, usually placed in the shape of a cross on the forehead. The elder often says, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” a strong reminder that death is a part of life and that one should focus on spiritual things. Or an officer says, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”
Ashes in churches, chapels – and parking lots
Ash Wednesday is considered an obligatory day of fasting for Roman Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 – which means limiting food to one full meal and two smaller meals than usual.
Many Protestants – especially those in the Episcopal, Lutheran and other historic churches – also mark Ash Wednesday with similar services.
In recent years, many Episcopal and other churches in the United States have begun offering “Walking Ashes” in parking lots, commuter train stations and other locations. Pastors promise to pour ashes on busy workers and others who want to participate in the ritual but may not have time to go to church.
Pastors of various denominations offer ashes in chapels, airports and other places.
Among other Protestants, such as Baptists and other evangelical groups, traditions differ. Some observe Ash Wednesday and Lent, others do not. But they often have their own rituals of penance and asceticism. Many Pentecostals, for example, fast for a period of time in January to sanctify the coming year.
Members of one of the world’s largest religions are also about to begin their period of prayer and fasting. The start of Ramadan and the start of Lent may fall on the same date – certainly within the same week – this year.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, which leads to the commemoration of Jesus’ death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter.
Ash Wednesday is designated by counting back 40 days from Easter, excluding Sundays.
Different churches have found different ways to count the 40 days of Lent, but the number itself is important. It connects to the biblical figure of the number 40, which is often used for times of testing, judgment, refinement or renewal. More specifically, it refers to the 40 days Jesus fasted in the wilderness after his baptism, preparing for his public ministry.
During Lent, the faithful dedicate themselves to prayer and other services, as well as acts of charity, fasting and other forms of self-discipline. People talk about giving up something for Lent – chocolate, but really anything one finds it hard to do without. These days, that might mean cutting back on screen time.
Many churches have additional times for devotions and other activities. Catholics often have group meditations on the Stations of the Cross, which mark the various events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion.
Observant Catholics also do not eat meat on Friday – although not fish.
At that point, Lent is not all festivals. In many Catholic parishes in the US, the Friday fish fry has become a ritual that includes food, fundraising and community bonding.
Quick removal
Ash Wednesday is not a set day. Its time is tied to Easter Sunday. For many Christians, Easter will be on April 5 this year.
Easter moves every year, moving between March 22 and April 25, following the ancient pattern of Easter falling on the first Sunday after the first full moon in spring.
Eastern Orthodox Christians count the beginning and end of their “Great Lent” differently. They start their celebrations on Monday – this year on February 23 – which they call “Clean Monday” or “Pure Monday.” Although they do not use the ashes, they begin a period of penance and fasting. Great Lent continues on the Friday before Holy Week, including Sundays.
The days of Great Lent are also determined according to the Orthodox calculations of Easter (Pascha), which are different from those of the Western churches. Orthodox Easter is April 12 this year – as in many years, it falls later than Catholic and Protestant celebrations.
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The Associated Press’s religious coverage is supported by a partnership between AP and The Conversation US, with a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. AP is solely responsible for this content.
