Ash Wednesday marks the Christian period of Lent, prior to the Holy Week. Traditionally, the ashes are made by burning psalm leaves from the previous year's celebration and symbolize death, repentance and purification.Ī Catholic faithful wears a face mask during the celebration of Ash Wednesday in Cali, Colombia, on February 17, 2021. The phrase is meant to lead believers to reflect on their sins and seek repentance. The words are taken from the biblical story of Adam and Eve, who received a similar message after indulging in sin themselves.

Instead, believers were marked with an ash cross on their foreheads, to the words 'Repent, and believe in the Gospel' or 'Remember that you are dust and to dust, you shall return', a practice which continues in modern times. The day gets its name from early Christian traditions held to honor the date, as believers would practice public penance and be sprinkled in ashes in order to seek forgiveness from God.īy the 10th Century that practice had been replaced. The annual event marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day fasting period–excluding Sundays–in which Christians reflect and repent for their sins.Īsh Wednesday is traditionally observed by Christians, such as the Roman Rite Catholics, Anglicans, and Lutherans among others and is always held 46 days before Easter Sunday, which this year falls on April 17. Today marks the annual Ash Wednesday observance, a prominent date for many Christians across the globe.

Chicago imposition of ashes today