If you're unfamiliar with the Christian holiday, the celebratory ritual has been observed for centuries and continues to be a major part of Christian faith ...
It is believed that many Christians keep the ashes on their forehead throughout the day as a witness to their faith. While Ash Wednesday is not a [holy day of obligation](https://www.britannica.com/topic/holy-days-of-obligation), it is the most commonly attended service on the Christian calendar for non-Sunday services. [brittanica.com](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ash-Wednesday-Christian-holy-day), the early Christian church observed Lent over a six-week period or 36 days with fasting except for on Sundays. Therefore, while the word is absent in the Bible, the reality of Lent is woven throughout the whole of Scripture, as we have discovered." The Bible commands a lifestyle of worship and devotion that looks considerably like Lent. [britannica.com](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ash-Wednesday-Christian-holy-day). Serious sinners and penitents began a public penance on the first day of Lent. But not all Protestant believers. [@ChrisFSims](https://twitter.com/ChrisFSims). [uscatholic.org](https://uscatholic.org/news_item/how-to-answer-some-common-ash-wednesday-questions/#:~:text=A%3A%20No%20one%20is%20required,her%20face%20after%20the%20ritual.). [brittanica.com](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ash-Wednesday-Christian-holy-day). What to know about DST?](https://www.pjstar.com/story/news/2023/02/14/daylight-savings-2023-when-does-the-time-change/69891466007/) [Where do the ashes for Ash Wednesday come from?]
What is Lent? Lent represents the 40 days Jesus wandered the desert praying and fasting after he was baptized. It is a period of reflection, prayer and penance.
Meat isn't the only thing you can give up for Lent. Lent ends on Holy Thursday, which is April 6, when there is a Mass to represent Jesus' last supper. Sundays during Lent are not "prescribed days" of fasting and abstinence, so those don't count. The ashes also represent penance โ sackcloth and ashes. The ashes represent two Biblical themes. [Ash Wednesday](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2023/02/06/when-is-ash-wednesday-lent-easter-sunday-2023-dates-to-know/69877207007/), the [day after Mardi Gras](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2023/02/06/when-is-fat-tuesday-mardi-gras-2023/69866182007/) and the start of the Christian Lenten season that leads up to Easter.
Ashes for Ash Wednesday will be available at several locations across the Chicago area, including Union Station, O'Hare airport and Midway airport.
and 4 p.m. Ashes will only be distributed during Masses or liturgical services. and 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Liturgical services schedule: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. Holy Communion will only be given at Mass. 7:30 a.m. Mass schedule: 10 a.m., 12 p.m. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Ash Wednesday falls on Feb. - 1 p.m. Mass schedule: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, an important time for Catholics and Christians leading up to Easter.
"Say yes to other things that are that are important, whether it's serving others, engaging in prayer or what have you." Johnston calls Lent a "period of purification and enlightenment." On Ash Wednesday, worshipers are also supposed to fast, allowing themselves to have one meal during the day. It may appear odd, but it is a mark people that practice Catholicism, as well as Christianity, receive at mass on Ash Wednesday, one of the "most popular and important holy days" in the religion. Ash Wednesday is always six and a half weeks before Easter. After a person receives their ashes, they aren't required to leave it on or take it off following Mass, but people typically leave them on for the rest of the day.
Ash Wednesday 2023, is on 22 February and in Christianity, is the first day of Lent and it occurs six and a half weeks before Easter which is usually ...
Examples of the practice among Jews are found in several other books of the Bible, including Numbers 19:9, 19:17, Jonah 3:6, Book of Esther 4:1, and Hebrews 9:13. Ashes could be symbolic of the old sinful self dying and returning to the dust. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." The gesture was also used to express sorrow for sins and faults. - Easter concludes the 40 days period of fasting - Lent. - In ancient times , ashes were used to express grief.
Ash Wednesday in the Christian church is the beginning of the Lenten season and is observed with a service where the faithful are marked with ashes.
Tell us at [nj.com/tips](http://nj.com/tips). [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Catholics are not allowed to eat meat on Ash Wednesday. Most adults are expected to fast and eat only one full meal per day. [Can Catholics eat meat or eggs on Ash Wednesday?](https://go.skimresources.com/?id=126006X1587338&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2Fnation%2F2022%2F03%2F02%2Fash-wednesday-why-christians-wear-ashes%2F9339771002%2F) [What is Ash Wednesday?](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ash-Wednesday-Christian-holy-day)