Ash Wednesday is an important day for many Western Christians. Ash Wednesday, this year on February 14, marks the first day of Lent in 2018.

Just how important is Ash Wednesday, and what does it mean? Ash Wednesday involves the practice of painting a cross with ashes on one’s forehead. According to catholic.org, the ashes represent the dust that God made us from.

Ashes also symbolize grief, which is recognized in the name of Jesus. What some may not know is that the ashes are made from blessed palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday. As well as using ashes, there are other ways to honor Ash Wednesday as well. The Catholics believe Ash Wednesday is a time for fasting and prayer. Feasting, dining out, or even shopping are not to be done on this day. There are some exceptions to these rules; if one has no choice but to feast due to illness or age, it is allowed.

Ash Wednesday marks an even more important event, which is Lent. Lent is a time for redemption. Christians believe Lent is where one should redeem themselves in the eyes of God through prayer and fasting. This is an incredibly important event for Christians; it is a way for them wash away sins and feel reborn in the eyes of the Lord.

This is all connected to Easter because Ash Wednesday always starts 46 days before Easter Sunday. Starting from the beginning of Lent until Easter Sunday, during this period of time it is important for Christians to recognize that Jesus died for their sins.

“Let today be the day you give up who you’ve been for who you can become.” – Hal Elrod.