Ash Wednesday and the Season of Lent
Ash Wednesday begins the 40 days of Lent leading up to the Christian celebration of Easter. On Ash Wednesday, many Christians observe the tradition of placing ashes in a cross on the forehead, which may be accompanied by the words “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” or “Repent and believe in the Good News.” The ashes serve as a reminder of mortality, and a start to the Lenten season of reflection, turning toward God and letting go of things that are no longer helpful to society or ourselves.