Guide Note
Ash Wednesday is a Catholic celebration of the first day of Lent. The holiday derives its name from the ashes used to mark the foreheads of the faithful observers.
Fast Facts
- Occurs 40 days before Easter
- First day of Lent
- Observers spread ashes on their foreheads in the form of a cross1
- Ashes are from the palms burned from the previous year's Palm Sunday
- Observed the day after Mardi Gras
Lent Fast
Ashe Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent fast. Lent practices have varied among Christian cultures, but generally include a partial fast or denial of food and drink. The fast is coupled with a period of pious self-examination, and ends on Palm Sunday.2
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