Ash Wednesday

22/02/2023

Diversity

Ash Wednesday, or the Day of Ashes, in the Western Christian tradition marks the first day of Lent, a period of penitential preparation for Easter. Lent commemorates the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning his public ministry.

Ash Wednesday is a holy day of prayer and fasting for Christians. Some denominations observe the day by applying ash in the shape of a cross to the foreheads of worshippers to symbolise repentance and devotion to God.

Lent is celebrated at different times depending upon the denomination. In Western churches, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, six and a half weeks before Easter, and provides a 40-day period for fasting and abstinence, excluding Sundays. In Eastern churches Lent begins on the Monday of the seventh week before Easter and ends on the Friday that is nine days before Easter. This 40-day “Great Lent” includes Saturdays and Sundays as relaxed fast days.