Ash Wednesday The Ash Wednesday is derived from the custom of marking foreheads of the faithful with blessed ashes as a sign of penitence. Ash Wednesday is a popular day among Christians worldwide. It is considered to be the first day of Lent, a religious observance where people fast for 40 days (excluding Sundays). The 40-day sign of penitence starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, which is a day before Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday is a day after Shrove Tuesday, popularly known as Fat Tuesday, which often features various carnival or Mardi Gras celebrations in many countries. One most notable celebration in the United States is the New Orleans Mardi Gras celebrations. There are some variations in Ash Wednesdays celebration across cultures. Many people observe a fast throughout the lent season by avoiding meat, eggs, dairy products and animal or vegetable oils. In places such as the Cayman Islands, French Guiana, and Jamaica, Ash Wednesday is a public holiday.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 17:27:40 +0000
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