Ash Wednesday Ushers in Lent

Mardi Gras and Carnival season are now over, ushering in a time of reflection and prayer in the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, March 1st, 2017. This Wednesday will be a prelude to the season of Lent leading to the Easter Holiday.

What is Ash Wednesday? Ash Wednesday opens Lent as a season of fasting and prayer. Traditionally, it is celebrated during the 46 days before Easter Sunday. The holiday is traditionally observed by both Catholics and other branches of the Christian faith. It originated in the ancient Jewish traditions of penance and fasting. In most cases, Ash Wednesday involves a service following Palm Sunday, in which participants wear ashes on their head. These ashes are made from the palm branches used in a traditional Palm Sunday service.

The ashes that people wear symbolize the dust from which humans were made by God in the Abrahamic faiths. Sometimes, the ashes are also recognized as symbols of grief and penance, which many believe represent sin and division from God. Observers are not required to leave the ashes on all day. Some wash the ashes off after church services. However, others elect to keep them on throughout the day as a reminder of the solemn season.

On Ash Wednesday, many follow the example of the ancient Jews, who humbled themselves in sackcloth and ashes to bring their petitions before God. The marked ashes remind observers to humble their hearts, and reminds them that life on earth is fleeting. Many believe it is a reminder to live each day to the fullest extent possible.

Ash Wednesday is a reminder to millions in the Christian faith of the enormity of the season. In Lent they will spend 40 days reflecting and fasting, or in other cases sacrificing a good or comfort, with humbled hearts and minds. Take the time this season to reflect on all the good fortune you have experienced.