As we kick off the month of February, many of us begin to think about preparing for Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day. However, the one day in February that not many people think about or that not everyone celebrates is Ash Wednesday.
Every year, Ash Wednesday falls on a different date, but this year it actually falls on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Now, you all might be wondering “Well, what even is Ash Wednesday?” You are all in luck because that is what we are here to tell you about.
Understanding the History of Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, which celebrates the 40 days that lead up to Easter and refers to the time that Jesus spent in the desert fasting and resisting temptation. It is then followed by Palm Sunday, which is acknowledged on the “last Sunday of Lent and leads into Holy Week.” Typically, people who believe and follow in the Catholic religion believe and take part in this holiday, but some other Christian dominions follow it as well. What Catholics do to honor this day is make a marking in the shape of a cross on their foreheads with ash. However, how did Ash Wednesday really begin and why do we celebrate it?
Although many sources vary with the information on when Ash Wednesday began, what we have established is that it all began some time between the 10th and 11th centuries. This observance, as mentioned above, is based on the time in which Jesus “grew hungry” in the 40 days he spent in the desert fasting. Religion indicates that during this time, Jesus was faced with temptations that he denied.
All of this suffering and temptation that Jesus endured is meant to be a symbol of the grief he endured, as well as to show those who follow what grief and mortality is. Since Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, this day is also meant to give the people who celebrate, the opportunity to sacrifice something just like Jesus did.
How do People Observe Ash Wednesday
Although mainly Catholics and only certain other dominions of Christianity celebrate this religious day, we wanted to find out how they celebrate since not everyone in Cardozo or even in the Verdict staff knows what goes on. It is said that some people choose to “take the rest of the day off work and remain home.”
Accordingly, it is also deemed “inappropriate to dine out, to shop, or to go about in public after receiving the ashes. Feasting is [seen as] highly inappropriate.” However, young children, those who are ill, and the elderly are excused from following these rules as they are under different circumstances. Furthermore, Catholics that are 14 years or older must “not eat meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent, including Good Friday. Instead of meat many Catholics choose to eat fish – which is why many parishes around the country have fish fries on Fridays during Lent.” Also, those who are 18 to 59 years old must “limit the amount of food they eat.”
Despite what you all might be thinking since it has been mentioned a couple of times, you do not necessarily have to be a Christian to receive ash. If you are someone who is exploring religion in any way and want to receive ash if you choose to attend a church service for Ash Wednesday, it is said you can also have ash. One of the things many of you might be wondering about the ashes is if you have to keep the ash on your forehead the whole day. The answer to this question is no, you do not have to keep the ash on all day. “It is not required that a person wear the ashes for the rest of the day, and they may be washed off after Mass. However, many people keep the ashes as a reminder until the evening.”
Overall, Ash Wednesday is a meaningful way to start off this year’s season of Lent and Valentine’s Day. It is a time to reflect on the importance of living with purpose. However, if any of you following Christianity want to eat any delicious burgers or steaks make sure to eat it before Valentine’s Day.