Ash Wednesday 2024: Why is Ash Wednesday celebrated before Easter, know what is the 40 days ‘Lent period’
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On a particular Wednesday in February, you can find people with ash marks on their foreheads. Although it may seem unusual to some, this special day is celebrated on Ash Wednesday or “Ash Wednesday” Known as. This special day is one of the most popular and important holy days of Christianity, especially for the Catholic denomination. Ash Wednesday also marks the beginning of the Lenten season which runs until Easter.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday, also known as the Day of Ashes, is a day of repentance and fasting for Christians, when Christians, especially Catholics, confess their sins and express their devotion to God. Particularly for Roman Catholics, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 46-day season of Lent, which runs until Easter.
Why do people apply ashes on Ash Wednesday?
During the holy day of Ash Wednesday, some churches mark a cross of ashes on the forehead of worshippers. Ashes made from palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday service are applied to the forehead of the parishioner by a priest who will say, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” On this day people of Christian religion confess their sins and show repentance. According to a report in USA Today, this tradition has been going on since 1901.
What is Lent?
Lent is a 46-day liturgical season preceding the Easter holiday, which celebrates the life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Ash Wednesday is a time of penance, charity and fasting for many Christians. Lent also represents the 40 days that Jesus wandered in the desert praying and fasting after being baptized. Sundays during Lent are not “set days” of fasting and abstinence, so they do not count. Lent concludes on Holy Thursday, March 28, with a mass representing the Last Supper of Jesus.
What to give up for Lent?
Catholics should not eat meat during Lent on Ash Wednesday or Friday. However, children and the elderly are usually exempted from fasting and giving up meat. Meat isn’t the only thing you can give up for Lent, though. Many people give up chocolate, candy, alcohol or other tasty or favorite foods. Others may avoid watching TV or using social media.
when is Easter?
Lent concludes with Easter Sunday, which will be celebrated on March 31, 2024. The date is different every year. The Eastern Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar rather than the typical Gregorian calendar, with the first Sunday of the month being celebrated as Palm Sunday and its Easter celebration taking place on the following Sunday, May 5.
Report – Wreath
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