Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. The holiday derives its name from the ashes used to mark crosses upon the foreheads of the faithful observers.
Lenten Fast
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten fast. Lent practices vary among different 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 the Saturday after Good Friday. It is also customary for observers to give up something they indulge in, for example smoking, sweets or even texting.UCSM: Lent, Holy Week and Easter
The following churches are said to practice Ash Wednesday: Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican and Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholics.About.com: What Is Ash Wednesday
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References
Fast Facts
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In 2009, Ash Wednesday falls on February 25
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Official name for the holiday is dies cinerum or Day of AshesAsh-Wednesday.org
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Occurs 40 days before Easter
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First day of Lent
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Observers spread ashes on their foreheads in the form of a crossCatholic.org: Ash Wednesday
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The ashes are a reminder of human mortalityNazareth Resource Library: Ash Wednesday
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The blessed ashes are the burned palm fronds from the previous year's Palm Sunday Nazareth Resource Library: Ash Wednesday
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Follows Fat Tuesday, a final day of indulgence before the faithful give up meat during Lent
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Ash Wednesday is not a "Holy Day of Obligation" because it does not commemorate anythingNazareth Resource Library: Ash Wednesday
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The fasting ends on the Saturday following Good Friday
