Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of reflection and spiritual preparation before Easter Sunday. This day is observed by members of the Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Lutheran Church, and other Protestant denominations. During Ash Wednesday services, it’s customary for participants to receive the imposition of ashes on their foreheads in the sign of a cross. This symbolic act serves as a reminder that from dust we came and to dust we shall return. On this day it’s important for Christians to remember that life is fleeting and that all our faith must be rooted in God for it to endure over time.
HISTORY OF ASH WEDNESDAY
The practice of Ash Wednesday began with the Church in Medieval Europe during the 11th century when ashes were placed on foreheads to symbolize a cleansing ritual or renewal. This ritual signified the humility and sorrow associated with repentance before God and has come to be a significant practice within Christian cultures around the world today. It is widely believed that the name “Ash Wednesday” was derived from an ancient Jewish tradition which calls for sprinkling ashes on one’s head as a sign of surrendering personal desire to God’s will. The significance of Ash Wednesday has evolved over time, but it remains an important time for believers to remind themselves about why they are called to fast and reflect before celebrating Easter.
FIVE THINGS ABOUT ASH WEDNESDAY
- Although it has been practiced since at least the fourth century—in 7th century Spain it was known as Caput jejunii, or Head of Fasting.
- Partaking in Ashes is not actually mentioned in either the Old Testament or the New Testament.
- Scholars believe that one of the reasons we use ash on Ash Wednesday is a reminder of both mortality and repentance; after all, we are dust and unto dust shall we return.
- There have been times when ashes were blessed not only for religious purposes but also because they were believed to bring health benefits.
- Some monasteries used ashes to make wraps for broken bones!
HOW TO CELEBRATE ASH WEDNESDAY
- Attend a church service.
- Ash Wednesday worship ideas.
- 40 Devotions for Lent.
- 50 ideas to give up for Lent.
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Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate this day? Please share them!
