During this period, Christians show repentance and mourning for their sins, because they believe Christ died for them. The ashes symbolize both death and repentance. Lucky: New York man wins $10M lottery for the second time in 3 years What is Fastnacht Day or Fat Tuesday?: And why are people eating donuts? The ceremony, which also can be performed by a minister or pastor, is meant to show that a person belongs to Jesus Christ, and it also represents a person's grief and mourning for their sins – the same sins that Christians believe Jesus Christ gave his life for when he died on the cross.Īsh Wednesday is important because it marks the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter, when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected. What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day What is Ash Wednesday?Īsh Wednesday – officially known as the Day of Ashes – is a day of repentance, when Christians confess their sins and profess their devotion to God.ĭuring a Mass, a priest places the ashes on a worshiper's forehead in the shape of a cross. Here is what you should know about Ash Wednesday and the celebration of Lent. The six-week Lenten period culminates with Easter, when Christians believe Jesus died and was resurrected. This year, Ash Wednesday falls on March 2, 2022, six and a half weeks before Easter. The ash is placed there by a priest or minister in the shape of a cross as a symbol acknowledging sin. That could be a bit startling, unless you know the meaning behind this religious practice.

On Ash Wednesday, you may encounter Christians, especially Catholics, wearing a smudge of ashes on their foreheads. Watch Video: Ash Wednesday and Lent: What we know about these Christian events

Consistency of ashes for imposition