Ash Wednesday is a holy day in the Christian denomination that marks the first day of Lent. The Lenten season is the commemoration of the 40 days fast observed by Jesus Christ of Nazareth, where he spent His time fasting and praying in the desert, while being tempted by Satan.
Ash Wednesday is traditionally celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans and some other Christian denominations. Many Christians start this day by fasting, refusing meat as part of their meal of the day, and by making a Lenten sacrifice that they will not indulge until Easter.
In Catholic churches, a special Ash Wednesday mass is celebrated and parishioners are adorned with ash on their foreheads. During the placement of the ash, the following words are uttered: ‘Repent, and believe in the Gospel’ or ‘Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return’.
