What is Ash Wednesday and Why do we Observe it?
Ash Wednesday is an observance that many people mistakenly think is relegated to specific faith traditions, like Catholicism. However, Ash Wednesday signals the start of Lent, a season of forty days (not counting Sundays), set aside for penance and active preparation for Easter.
In Judeo-Christian traditions, the use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a longstanding history. Biblical figures of faith contained within the Old Testament repented or mourned by covering themselves in sackcloth and ashes. Christians observe the season of Lent as a significant 40-day period of time where we open ourselves to the reality that God re-creates, restores, refines, and reminds us of who we are. Ash Wednesday commences that journey.
Why ashes and not something else?
Ashes are a powerful and nonverbal way of participating in the call to repentance and reconciliation. Traditionally, palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday services are burned to produce the ashes for this year’s observance of Ash Wednesday.