2023 Ash Wednesday

In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day or the start of the season of Lent. Officially named "Day of Ashes," Ash Wednesday always falls 40 days before Easter (Sundays are not included in the count). Lent is a time when Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, giving up of sinful habits, and spiritual discipline.

During Ash Wednesday mass or services, a minister distributes ashes by lightly rubbing the shape of a cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers. The tradition of tracing a cross on the forehead is meant to identify the faithful with Jesus Christ.

Ashes are a symbol of death in the Bible. God formed humans out of dust: