Everything You Need To Know About Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday otherwise known as The Day Of Ashes is an annual holy day focused on prayer and fasting.
This year, the important day will take place after Shrove Tuesday on Wednesday February 22nd 2023.
With the countdown on until Ash Wednesday and the celebration of lent, you’ll want to read our guide with everything you need to know.
We’ll be focusing on the history, the significance of this day as well as how you can celebrate whilst living in student accommodation.
Read on to find out more!
History Of Ash Wednesday
If you’re unfamiliar with Ash Wednesday then don’t worry, this important day highlights the start of the Lenten period in the six and a half week run up to Easter, which is when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected.
The history of this Christian observance goes all the way back to the 11th century despite not being in the bible, it marks the first day of lent, with 6 weeks of fasting and penance.
This religious day dates back centuries and makes people feel closer to Christ, as well as also kickstarting the Easter period.
Ash Wednesday Significance
Why Is Ash Wednesday important? Well, there are many different reasons why this day is significant within the Christian calendar.
It is observed by many individuals including Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans and Methodists, to mark the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert while being tempted by Satan.
During the six-week period of lent, Christians will often abstain from eating meat, fish and dairy, fast, abstain from daily activities or give something up.
Many people give something up for lent whether it be not eating chocolate, using social media, eating junk food, going without coffee or alcohol amongst other things, to show their self discipline and remember the sacrifices that Jesus made.
Lent is important for Christians across the globe and during this time people will attend Church services where they mark a cross with ash on their forehead.
This tradition dates back to at least the 8th century and is meant to show that a person belongs to Jesus Christ as well as show repentance and mourning for their sins.
When the Priest applies the ashes to the worshipper’s forehead, he will state “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” and may also say “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”
The period of time is significant as it allows followers of Christianity to prepare to remember the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as well as deepen their faith.
How To Celebrate Ash Wednesday
Whether you’re wondering how you can observe this significant day or want to know more about how others celebrate, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ll be focusing on all the ways you can get involved with Ash Wednesday 2023.
Attend Religious Services
Ash Wednesday is an important day for Christians and there are many different ways to celebrate, but one of the most common is to attend special church services.
A lot of churches will hold Ash Wednesday services where followers can receive ashes on their forehead in the sign of a cross.
These are usually made by burning palm leaves from the previous year’s Palm Sunday and mixing them with either Holy Water or olive oil – that’s right, it’s eco friendly!
It’s not just religious services where individuals can receive an ash on their forehead to observe the holiday.
Priests and ministers can often be found in public places and will mark a cross from ash for those who want to get involved and receive them.
Practice Fasting
One of the most common ways to celebrate Ash Wednesday is by choosing to fast as a sign of repentance and sacrifice.
Fasting usually involves skipping meals or eating only one full meal, or two smaller meals which don’t equal the size of the full meal they would eat on a normal day.
Everyone above the age of 14 normally abstains from eating meat too.
It’s important that if you are fasting for lent to not put your health at risk, especially if you have a physical or mental health condition.
Give Something Up For Lent
There are a variety of different ways to get involved with Ash Wednesday in 2023, including giving up something during the Lenten season as a symbol of sacrifice and commitment to your faith.
Even if you’re not a follower of Christianity, it’s still a great way to test your self discipline and see if you can go without certain things so give it a go and see if you can refrain from doing something for 40 days.
It can be giving up a luxury, not eating or drinking a specific thing, taking a break from social media or not watching telly, it’s up to you, get rid of any bad habits for lent!
Practice A Prayer
For those who follow the Christian faith, spending time in prayer and reflecting on their sins is a big part of Ash Wednesday to help them feel closer to God and deepen their faith.
There are many traditional prayers for Ash Wednesday to turn to God, confess sins, as well as seek his forgiveness and guidance during the start of Lent.
Whether you’re attending a church service or holding a prayer service in your own home, this is a great way to strengthen your faith and observe the religious holiday.
Get Involved With Charitable Works
A big part of Ash Wednesday is getting involved with charitable works, whether it’s volunteering your time or donating to a cause you care about like a food bank or homeless shelter, this is a great way to practise acts of kindness.
This religious day is all about strengthening your relationship with both God and other people, so you could even perform random acts of kindness to people in your life.
From helping out a friend, to giving someone a compliment to holding the door open for someone, it’s free to be kind!
And so that concludes our guide on everything you need to know about Ash Wednesday 2023.
We hope you discovered more about this significant day and are all prepared if you observe the holiday.
Remember, Ash Wednesday is an important day for many Christians.
So, even if you’re not getting involved, make sure you’re being respectful and understanding of others faiths!
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