On Ash Wednesday, you can meet Christians, especially Catholics, who have a speck of ash on their foreheads.
This can be a bit shocking, unless you know the meaning behind this religious practice. The ashes are placed by a priest or minister in the shape of a cross as a symbol of confession to sin. This is also a one-time Catholic fast.
The six-week Lenten period ends with Easter, when Christians believe that Jesus died and was resurrected. This year Ash Wednesday falls on March 2, 2022, six and a half weeks before Easter.
Here's what you need to know about the celebration of Ash Wednesday and Lent.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday – officially known as the Day of Ashes – is a day of repentance, when Christians confess their sins and profess their devotion to God.
During a Mass, a priest places ashes on the forehead of the worshiper in the shape of a cross. The ceremony, which may also be performed by a minister or pastor, is meant to show that a person belongs to Jesus Christ, and also represents a person's grief and mourning for their sins – the same sins that Christians believe. that Jesus Christ gave his life. Because when he died on the cross.
Ash Wednesday is important because it marks the beginning of the Lenten period leading up to Easter, when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected.
The ashes symbolize both death and repentance. During this period, Christians show repentance and mourning for their sins, as they believe that Christ died for them.
When the priest lays the ashes on the cross, he tells the worshiper: "Remember that you are dust, and you will return to dust." He may also say "Repent and believe in the gospel."
It is not necessary that a worshiper wear the ashes for the rest of the day, although many Christians prefer to do so. However, it is considered inappropriate to dine out or make unnecessary purchases on Ash Wednesday.
Where does the ashes come from?
Traditionally, the ashes used on Ash Wednesday are collected after burning the palms of the previous year's Palm Sunday. They are then blessed before being used in the ceremony.
Palms are used on Palm Sunday in many Christian churches as a symbol of the victorious entry into Jerusalem on the Sunday before the crucifixion of Jesus. The residents of Jerusalem are said to have shaken hands to celebrate his arrival.
Can Catholics eat meat on Ash Wednesday?
No, Catholics should not eat meat on Ash Wednesday. They are also expected to give up meat on Fridays during Lent.
Catholics are also expected to fast on Ash Wednesday. Fasting means eating only one complete meal in a day; Two small meals that do not make up a full meal together are also allowed.
Children and the elderly are exempted from the requirement of fasting during Ash Wednesday and Lent.
Some Protestant denominations, including Anglicans, Episcopalians, Lutherans, United Methodists and Presbyterians, also hold worship services on Ash Wednesday.
Is Ash Wednesday based on a pagan festival?
No. Early Christians in Rome were sprinkled with ashes during Lent, but the practice of placing ashes on Christians' foreheads on Ash Wednesday did not begin until the Middle Ages.
When is Ash Wednesday in 2022?
Ash Wednesday falls on a different day each year, as it depends on the date of Easter. This could be as early as 4 February or as late as 10 March.
This time Ash Wednesday will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 2.
Ash Wednesday always falls six and a half weeks before Easter. So, Easter will also be celebrated earlier this year, on Sunday, April 17th.
What is fasting?
Ash Wednesday is one of the most important dates on the Christian calendar, as it marks the beginning of Lent.
It is a six-week period of fasting or self-sacrifice, prayer and alms performed by Christians each year in preparation for the celebration of Easter, when they believe that Christ is God from the dead, sitting at the right hand of his Father. got up for
Lent is celebrated over 46 days. It consists of 40 days of fasting and six Sundays on which the fast is not observed.
The 40-day period has special significance in the Old and New Testaments. For example, Moses spent 40 days and nights with God on Mount Sinai in preparation for receiving the Ten Commandments. Jesus is also depicted as being taken into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan for 40 days.
Things to be discarded for lent
Many people want to know what they should sacrifice for Lent to prove your devotion.
Many people give up things they love, like candy or sweets, favorite food, television or - gasp! - social media.
The reason for their self-sacrifice: Christians seek to repeat the hardships Jesus experienced during his time in the wilderness.