Ash Wednesday is the day that in Christianity begins the period of Lent before Easter.
Sign of the Holy Cross to print
Sign of the cross
Sign of the cross - Ash Wednesday
Sign of the cross coloring book
Sign of the cross - Ash Wednesday coloring book
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday to print
Ash Wednesday coloring book for kids
Priest in the church
Ash Wednesday printable coloring book
Ash Wednesday - interesting facts and information
- Date of celebration: Ash Wednesday falls 46 days before Easter. It is always the Wednesday seven weeks before Easter Sunday. The day usually falls in early February to late March, depending on the date of Easter.
- Meaning: Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a period of penance, reflection and fasting leading up to the most important Christian feast, Easter. It is a time when the faithful are encouraged to reflect on their lives, sins and spiritual growth.
- Ritual: During Ash Wednesday mass, the faithful receive a cross of ash on their foreheads, which is made from palm leaves used the previous year during Palm Sunday. Ash is a symbol of penance and the transience of human life. The words that accompany the imposition of ashes read: "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall turn" (Gen 3:19) or "Repent and believe in the Gospel" (Mark 1:15).
- Lent: Lent is a period of 40 days, but this does not count Sundays, which are always a holy day. Traditionally, this time is set aside for fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Some Christian traditions recommend total fasting (eating nothing) on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and moderate fasting (eating smaller meals) for the rest of Lent.
- Traditions: Many Christians choose to make special commitments during Lent, such as giving up certain pleasures (e.g., sweets, alcohol), increasing the amount of time spent in prayer or reading Scripture, and doing charity work.
- In different traditions: Although Ash Wednesday is most recognized in the Catholic Church, it is also celebrated by many other Christian denominations, including Anglicans, Lutherans, some Methodists and Presbyterians. Orthodox churches begin Lent a little earlier, on a Sunday called Forgiveness Sunday.
