Ash Wednesday, which falls on Feb. 18 this year, marks the beginning of Lent — the most penitential season on the Christian calendar. For millions of Catholics and many other Christians worldwide, the day is defined by fasting, reflection and the iconic smudge of ashes applied to the forehead in the shape of a cross.
What Is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is a solemn day of fasting and repentance that kicks off the 40-day Lenten season leading up to Easter. As the officiant applies ashes, they typically say, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” — a stark reminder of human mortality — or, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”
The practice reminds Christians of the importance of reconciling with God and reflecting on the transience of earthly life. The Biblical basis for this comes from Genesis 2:7, which references God forming man “of the dust of the ground.” In Christian tradition, ashes represent both death and repentance.
Where Do the Ashes Come From?
The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are gathered from burning the previous year’s palm branches used during Palm Sunday. The modern-day Roman Catholic Church is credited with the tradition of applying those ashes in the shape of a cross on the forehead.
History of the Practice
The use of ashes dates back to early Roman practices. Serious sinners and penitents would begin public penance on the first day of Lent wearing sackcloth and sprinkled with ashes, remaining apart from the broader Christian community until they were reconciled. Between the 8th and 10th centuries, the practice evolved so that ashes were placed on the heads of the entire congregation rather than just designated penitents.
Who Observes Ash Wednesday?
While Ash Wednesday is most closely associated with Catholics, it is observed across multiple Christian traditions. Catholic and many Protestant believers — including those in Episcopal and Lutheran churches — participate in Ash Wednesday services. Among evangelical and Baptist groups, observance varies. Not all Protestants mark the day, though many have their own penitential traditions.
Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, yet it is the most commonly attended non-Sunday service on the Christian calendar.
In recent years, many Episcopal and other churches in the United States have begun offering “Ashes to Go” in parking lots, commuter-rail stations and other public spaces for those who want to participate but cannot get to a church service.
Fasting and Abstinence
Ash Wednesday is a mandatory fast day for Roman Catholics between ages 18 and 59, meaning they are to limit food to one full meal and two smaller-than-normal meals. Meat is not permitted on Ash Wednesday, and observers are expected to fast throughout the day.
As for the ashes themselves, worshippers are not required to keep them on all day — washing them off is entirely a personal choice. Many Christians choose to wear them throughout the day as a public witness to their faith, viewing questions from others as an opportunity to share and discuss their beliefs.
Lent 2026 Key Dates
- Ash Wednesday: Feb. 18, 2026
- Palm Sunday: March 29, 2026
- Maundy Thursday: April 2, 2026 (final day of Lent)
- Good Friday: April 3, 2026
- Easter Sunday: April 5, 2026
The 40-day period of Lent connects to the biblical symbolism of the number 40 — a figure representing times of testing, purification or renewal — and most directly alludes to the 40 days Jesus fasted in the wilderness after his baptism.
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Steve Fink, Director of Artificial Intelligence, at sfink@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.