Ash Wednesday initiates the Lenten season, as Christians globally receive ashes on their foreheads
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Lent is one of the most important traditions observed by tens of millions of Christians every year across the globe in preparation for Easter Sunday.
Officially, the season of reflection begins on Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on Feb. 14.
Lent is a period of self-examination, repentance and devotion, aiming to strengthen the faith of Christians leading up to the celebration of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the savior and son of God in the Christian religion.
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The event has been a common annual observance in Christianity for centuries, since at least 325 A.D., after the Council of Nicaea.
Certain denominations mark Lent in different ways. The Eastern Orthodox view it as a means to cleanse the soul and body from sin and purify the heart, as well as liberate the mind toward Christ.
In Christianity, the cross is a symbol of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and serves as a powerful emblem of redemption, salvation, and the central tenets of the Christian faith. (iStock)
What is Lent?
Lent is a season of reflection and sacrifice. It typically involves fasting or giving up certain foods or activities for 40 days to commemorate the 40 days that Jesus Christ fasted in the desert, according to the Bible.
Lent encourages heightened prayer, which helps foster a deeper connection with God. Devotees engage in contemplative practices, attend religious services and embark on spiritual retreats to strengthen their faith during this solemn season.
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In the Bible, Satan tempted Jesus with promises of power during his 40 days in the desert, but the Messiah denied the offers. The goal of many Christians is to use fasting to practice self-control and prayer so that they may understand the temptation that Jesus overcame.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday occurs on the first day of Lent, about six-and-a-half weeks before the celebration of the resurrection of Christ.
The day is a time for Christians to reflect on their own mortality and strengthen their relationship with God by observing the sacrifices of Christ.
The palm branches used the previous year during Holy Week are burned to prepare for the current year's Ash Wednesday. (iStock)
Lent's inauguration on Ash Wednesday involves receiving ashes on the forehead in the form of a cross, marking mortality and repentance. Catholic worshipers view this as a commitment to spiritual introspection and humility.
How is Lent observed by Christians?
During Lent, Christians observe various practices and traditions aimed at spiritual growth, self-discipline and reflection. However, Lent is observed differently by multiple religious denominations.
Typically, on Ash Wednesday, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans and other churches host services at which believers in Christ are marked with a cross of ashes to symbolize death and sorrow for sin.
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Acts of charity and generosity, encapsulated in the practice of almsgiving, emphasize the Christian values of compassion and support for those in need.
Repentance takes center stage as believers engage in self-reflection, acknowledging shortcomings and seeking forgiveness for a journey of personal renewal.
A woman receives a cross of ashes during the traditional Ash Wednesday service. (REUTERS/John Vizcaino)
Special church services, including Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday and Holy Week, offer communal spaces for collective worship, focusing on the themes of repentance, sacrifice and redemption.
Engaging in spiritual reading, exploring scriptures, devotionals or theological works, becomes a cherished aspect of Lent, deepening believers' understanding of their faith.
Lent ends on Maundy Thursday for Catholics, on Holy Saturday for Lutherans and Methodists, and on Lazarus Saturday for the Eastern Orthodox denomination.
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For many Christians, Lent is meant to be a time of spiritual devotion that accumulates in a celebration of Christ's resurrection.
What are the purposes of Lent?
The season of Lent encourages self-discipline, repentance and a mindful journey toward Easter's celebration of resurrection.
As Christians reflect on the sacrifice and teachings of Jesus, Lent serves as a transformative period to cultivate a closer relationship with God and embrace the spiritual essence of Easter.
A bishop swinging incense during an Ash Wednesday communion service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, New York. (AP Photo/Jim McKnight, File)
Repentance becomes a powerful tool for spiritual growth, urging Christians to acknowledge shortcomings, seek forgiveness and embark on a path of renewal.
Lent is not merely about abstaining from indulgences; it is a conscious effort to redirect focus towards prayer, fostering a deeper connection with the divine. Acts of charity and generosity reinforce the Christian principle of love for one's neighbors, embodying the teachings of compassion and altruism.
Phillip Nieto contributed reporting.
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