May 9, 2024

Ash Wednesday is the day Lent(old English word meaning “to lengthen”) begins. It occurs forty days before Good Friday. It’s observed by Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Episcopalians, many Lutherans, and some Methodists and Presbyterians. During Ash Wed services, believers have their foreheads marked with ashes (burnt from leaves on Palm Sunday) in the form of a cross. The observance of Ash Wednesday dates back to sometime in the 6th century.

Ash Wed Links:
New Advent
James Akin
The Holiday Spot
BBC
FactMonster
CIN