In many places, Christians historically abstained from food for a whole day until the evening, and at sunset, Western Christians traditionally broke the Lenten fast, which is often known as the Black Fast. The First Council of Nicæa spoke of Lent as a period of fasting for forty days, in preparation for Eastertide. Many Christian denominations emphasize fasting, as well as abstinence during the season of Lent and in particular, on its first day, Ash Wednesday. It is observed by Catholics in the Roman Rite, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Moravians, Independent Catholics, as well as by many from the Reformed faith (inclusive of the Congregationalist, Continental Reformed, Presbyterian traditions).Īs it is the first day of Lent, many Christians begin Ash Wednesday by marking a Lenten calendar, praying a Lenten daily devotional, and making a Lenten sacrifice that they will not partake of until the arrival of Eastertide.Īsh Wednesday derives its name from the placing of repentance ashes on the foreheads of participants to either the words “ Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or the dictum “ Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The ashes are prepared by burning palm leaves from the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebrations.
Ash Wednesday is traditionally observed by Western Christians. It is preceded by Shrove Tuesday and falls on the first day of Lent, the six weeks of penitence before Easter.
Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day of prayer and fasting.
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