Ash Wednesday services take on new forms due to pandemic restrictions
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Tens of millions of Christians from multiple denominations across the globe will begin observing Lent with the start of Ash Wednesday on Feb. 14, 2024.
The holy holiday is meant to open up Christians to spiritual reflection and to connect with God through communal fasting and prayer.
Ash Wednesday occurs approximately six weeks before Easter Sunday — the resurrection of the Christian savior and begotten son of God, Jesus Christ.
ASH WEDNESDAY, START OF LENT: WE MUST ‘TURN TO GOD’
What is the purpose of Ash Wednesday?
The overall purpose of Ash Wednesday is to honor the 40 days that Christ spent in the desert by fasting and practicing self-control.
Before giving his sermons, Jesus spent 40 days traveling in the desert, where he was tempted by Satan, according to the Bible.
Giving up a common luxury and fasting on Ash Wednesday helps Christians prepare for Lent and the celebration of Christ's death, resurrection and ascent into Heaven.
A churchgoer prepares to receive ashes from an archbishop. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Ash Wednesday encompasses the commencement of Lent, the symbolic acknowledgment of human mortality, a call to repentance and the spiritual preparation for the celebration of Easter.
The rituals and traditions associated with Ash Wednesday contribute to the rich history of Christian worship and devotion.
What denominations observe Ash Wednesday?
Various denominations observe Ash Wednesday during different dates leading up to Easter Sunday with unique traditions.
Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Baptists and Methodists are the denominations within the Western Christian world that recognizes Ash Wednesday. During Roman Catholic Mass, one of the biggest services takes place at the start of Lent.
The overall purpose of Ash Wednesday is to honor the 40 days Christ spent in the desert by fasting and practicing self-control.
However, the Eastern Orthodox begin their Lenten season on a Monday rather than Wednesday. The term that the Orthodox churches use to describe the opening of Lent is "Clean Monday."
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Those within the Orthodox church who do follow some rules of the Western Rite usually have their Ash Wednesday take place on a different date than the other denominations.
The largest denomination that recognizes Ash Wednesday is the Roman Catholic Church, which generally has a large service at the Vatican in Rome.
What are the fasting rules for Ash Wednesday, Good Friday?
Fasting rules on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday vary among Christian denominations.
In general, Roman Catholics aged 18 to 59 are expected to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
This traditionally involves consuming only one full meal and two smaller meals that, when combined, do not equal the full meal in quantity. Additionally, Catholics are encouraged to abstain from meat on these days.
These fasting rules typically occur on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, but some Catholics follow the fasting traditions throughout all of Lent.
Ash Wednesday is observed by millions of Christians across the globe six weeks before Easter Sunday. (iStock)
Lenten suppers are also hosted by a variety of churches to open the fast and encourage communal participation as Christians begin their season of spiritual reflection.
Other Christian denominations may have different practices, and individual interpretations of fasting can also vary. It is advisable for individuals to consult with their respective religious leaders or follow the guidelines of their specific faith tradition.
How does Ash Wednesday mark the beginning of the Lenten season?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season in the Christian liturgical calendar. The significance of Ash Wednesday lies in its association with repentance, reflection and preparation for the Easter season.
ASH WEDNESDAY, START OF LENT: WHEN 'WORLD IS A MESS,' WE MUST 'TURN TO GOD'
Here is how Ash Wednesday initiates the Lenten season:
- Symbolic ashes
- Repentance and reflection
- 40 Days of preparation
- Spiritual disciplines
- Preparation for Easter
On Ash Wednesday, many Christians receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. The ashes are typically derived from the burned palms blessed on the previous year's Palm Sunday. (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Ash Wednesday serves as a solemn entry point into the Lenten season, prompting believers to reflect on their lives, embrace repentance and prepare spiritually for the celebration of Easter.
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Where do the ashes used for Ash Wednesday come from?
The ashes used for Ash Wednesday typically come from the burned palm branches that were blessed on the previous year's Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter, commemorating Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
The blessed palm branches from Palm Sunday are saved and later burned to create the ashes for Ash Wednesday.
During the Ash Wednesday service, a priest or minister applies the ashes to the foreheads of believers in the shape of a cross. The use of ashes symbolizes humility, penance and a reminder of human mortality.
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Previously, older Christian communities would sprinkle ashes on their members, and they would remain with the Ashes on their bodies until Maundy Thursday in order to symbolize their reconciliation with God and Christ.
Phillip Nieto contributed reporting.
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