February 14

Ash Wednesday

Mark the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of reflection and resolve to renew our commitments and faith.

Type

Day

Introduction

Immerse yourself in quiet reflection this February 14, as we observe the spiritually significant Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. Have you ever wondered how this special day originated? It all began in the early Christian church, evolving over centuries as a period of preparation leading up to Easter Sunday. Initially a day of physical cleansing, it later became a time of spiritual purification, with the customary ashes symbolizing mourning and repentance. This year, take a moment to reflect on your personal faith journey while embracing the mindfulness and solemnity of this meaningful day. Let's begin this Lenten season renewed and ready for spring!

Ash Wednesday Timeline

200s

Early Church Practice

During the early 200s, it became common for Christians to mark themselves with ashes as a sign of penance.

600s

Official Recognition of Ash Wednesday

Pope Gregory I officially instituted Ash Wednesday in the 7th century—the custom of marking the forehead with ashes became widespread in the Roman Catholic Church.

1000s

Ash Procurement Tradition

During the 11th century, it became customary to use the ashes from the palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday to mark individuals’ foreheads.

1970

Liturgical Renewal

As part of a liturgical renewal, Vatican II brought about a deeper understanding and significance of Lent and Ash Wednesday in the Catholic Church.

2000s

Ash Wednesday Observance Grows

Many Protestant denominations began observing Ash Wednesday, broadening recognition of the holiday beyond the Catholic Church.

How to Celebrate Ash Wednesday

1 Create a Lenten Chain

On each of the 40 links of the chain, write down something you are giving up or a good habit you are taking on. Each day of Lent, remove one link and think about your commitment.

2 Organize a Fasting Challenge

Challenge your friends or family to fast (in a safe and healthy way) for 24 hours. Reflect on the experience and share your thoughts about what it truly means to sacrifice.

3 Hold a Reflection Gathering

Invite loved ones to a quiet gathering where everyone can share their thoughts and feelings about the forthcoming sacred period and apply ashes if you wish.

4 Volunteer at a Local Charity

Use this time of contemplation to spread love and support in your community. Donating your time or resources to those in need could be a wonderful way to start the Lenten season.

5 Learn a New Prayer

Use the Lenten Season to deepen your spiritual understanding by learning and reflecting on a new prayer. Share this newly learned prayer with your loved ones on Easter Sunday to end the period with a deeper connection to your faith.

Why Ash Wednesday is Important

Ash Wednesday invites self-reflection

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and encourages us to reflect on our personal journey of faith. This special day reminds us of our mortality, urging us to confront our actions and intentions, setting a tone of contrition and humility as we begin the Lenten season.

Ash Wednesday emphasizes renewal and purification

Ash Wednesday inspires us to face our shortcomings and seek renewal and purification spiritually. The custom of applying ashes, a symbol of mourning and repentance, is a significant act of expressing our determination to pursue a path of spiritual cleansing and improvement.

Ash Wednesday marks the initiation of the season of sacrifice

Lent represents a 40-day cycle of sacrifice and fasting leading up to Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday gives a notable start to this period, motivating us to sacrifice and commit acts of kindness, foster good habits, and symbolically give up a habit or luxury as an acknowledgment of Jesus' sacrifice in the desert.