On Ash Wednesday, you may encounter Christians, especially Catholics, wearing a smudge of ashes on their foreheads. That could be a bit startling unless you know the meaning behind this religious ...

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent. Here's everything to know about why it is celebrated by Christians, where to get the ashes and more.

Ash Wednesday falls on March 5 this year, marking the start of Lent. Here's why some people wear ashes on their foreheads during the day.

Ash Wednesday is an important day in Christianity. On Wednesday, many Christians will show up to work with ashes smudged on their foreheads.

Catholics receive ashes on their forehead from Bishop Mark J. Seitz, who conducted a worship service on Ash Wednesday at the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024.

The ashes signify repentance for one's sins and a renewed commitment to God. For many Christians, Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting, as well as abstaining from eating meat. When is Lent in 2025?

Joyce Bennett shows the ashes on her forehead from St. Andrew’ s Church Rector Reed Loy on the sidewalk in front of the church on Main Street in Hopkinton for Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

– Now that Mardi Gras celebrations are behind us, Ash Wednesday begins a new journey for many people. Pastor Tony Ward at West End Presbyterian Church was one of many to distribute ashes today.

The Palm branches, blessed on Palm Sunday 2024, were burned to create the ashes that will be placed on believers’ foreheads Wednesday to mark Ash Wednesday.

MILWAUKEE — Millions of Christians around the world are recognizing Ash Wednesday this week, marking the beginning of Lent. Ashes displayed on parishioners' foreheads in the shape of a cross ...

Lent, for the Christian community, is that 40-day season (not counting Sundays) before Easter. First-century Christians fasted only on the day before Easter, preparing themselves for that sacred day.