c. 1610
Oldest Church Structure in the US
While you are out and about this Wednesday, you may see people with smudges on their foreheads and wonder if you should say something. Or perhaps you will be participating in this long-standing tradition and some outgoing child points and says, “You have dirt on your head.” As Easter continues to become more about candy than crosses, faith traditions can often be overlooked. Before you see #ashtag pop up on Instagram, let’s take a look at the significance of Ash Wednesday.
What is it? A day when some Christians receive ashes on their foreheads signifying repentance for their sins.
When is it? The Wednesday occurring 46 days before Easter, beginning the season of Lent.* Ash Wednesday marks the first of 40 days dedicated to prayer and fasting (excluding Sundays). The preceding day is called “Fat Tuesday” (better known as Mardi Gras) signifying the last no-limits feasting before the period of fasting begins. (Not quite what comes to mind when thinking about modern celebrations, right?)
Why 40 days? Most likely, the number originates from Biblical examples, including:
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- Jesus’ time of testing in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)
- Moses’ experience with God on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 24:18)
- Days of rain during the Great Flood (Genesis 7:40)
- Elijah’s journey running from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:8)
Additionally, in the Jewish faith, a period of 40 days of fasting and repentance occurs during the High Holy Days leading up to Yom Kippur.
When did the tradition begin? In the Old Testament, ashes were a symbol of sorrow, repentance, and purification (Tamar, Mordecai, and Job, for example). While not accounted for in the Bible, some believe Christians in first century Rome maintained the tradition. At that time, repentant believers were sprinkled with ashes and dressed in sackcloth. For 40 days, they lived separate from the congregation as a means of purification leading to reconciliation. By the Middle Ages, observance of Ash Wednesday had evolved and established the foundation of traditions we experience today.
Who participates? Catholics, Anglicans, and some mainline Protestants formally observe Ash Wednesday (Lutheran, Methodist, for example). In the Catholic Church, it is not a Day of Obligation (obligation to attend Mass as a Feast Day) but is a required day of fasting.
How is it observed? Ashes often come from burning the previous year’s Palm Sunday branches. The priest/pastor applies the ashes in the shape of a cross joining the mark of repentance with the icon of Christ’s victory over sin and death. While forming the cross, the priest traditionally says:
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- “Remember you are dust and to dust you will return.” OR
- “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.”
Why not? The observance of Lent is often viewed as a “personal choice” among Protestants, both in practice and degree. Even so, Ash Wednesday is understood to be the beginning of the Lenten Season. Whether or not you choose to receive ashes, it can serve as a good reminder to seek repentance and perhaps take the next step of fasting and consecration during Lent.
*LENT: The period of about 6 weeks that falls between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Similar to the Advent Season before Christmas, it is a special time of preparation. The season of Lent focuses on repentance, self-denial, prayer, and Bible study focused on Jesus’ crucifixion, and resurrection. The term Lent originates from the Old English lencten, meaning “spring season,” signifying renewal and new growth.