Ash Wednesday is a holy day of reflection and repentance in the Christian faith. Believers observe the day by fasting and receiving ashes in the shape of a cross on their forehead.

Ash Wednesday is March 5, which marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of repentance, fasting and prayer. Many worshipers will receive the marking of the cross in ash on their foreheads on ...

What is Ash Wednesday? The origins of Lent trace to 325 CE, when it was more commonly used as a preparation phase for baptisms. The holiday's length is an homage to Jesus Christ’s 40-day fast as ...

In 2024, Ash Wednesday arrived early in the season, falling on Feb. 14, which is also Valentine's Day. This year, in 2025, Ash Wednesday is recognized nearly a month later on Wednesday, March 5.