Ash Wednesday 2015: What is it and why is it an important da...

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18/02/2015 13:52

Ash Wednesday 2015: What is it and why is it an important da...

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ash-wedn...

News > UK > Home News

Ash Wednesday 2015: What is it and why is it an

important day for Christians?

Ash Wednesday is marked 46 days before Easter Sunday

LAMIAT SABIN

Wednesday 18 February 2015

PRINT

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent which is the

period of self-restraint and abstention for Christians prior to
Easter.

AA

PEOPLE

What does the day signify?

It marks the first day of fasting, repentance, prayer and
self-control. Luxury or rich foods such as meat and dairy are
often avoided by those taking part in Lent.
Abstention from personal bad habits such as watching
television or eating too much sugar is also commonly practised.

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When is Ash Wednesday?

The day is marked on different dates each year. It falls on 18
February this year, the day after Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day.

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Secretary

How is it celebrated?
During church services, clergy use ashes burned at the previous
years Palm Sunday mixed with holy water or olive oil to mark a
cross on a worshippers forehead as a sign of repentance.
This is to signify the Biblical passage in Genesis 3:19: For dust
you are and to dust you shall return.
Why is it 46 days before Easter, and not 40?
Although Lent lasts for six weeks, Sundays are not included as
they are considered a day for worship and rest.

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Ash Wednesday is marked 46 days before Easter to imitate the

full 40 days Jesus spent fasting in a desert before being blessed
by John the Baptist.
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