Observed by many groups of Christians and the denominations, Ash Wednesday this year is March 5, 2025. As always, forty-six days before Easter. This year Easter is on April 20.

Well, what is it? This is an excellent question. On Ash Wednesday, numerous Christians will go to church and have ash spread along their foreheads. It is a representation that the person is a follower of the Father and His Son, Jesus. Ash is also present to repent for one’s sins. The ash is made from the previous year’s Palm Sunday Branches.

Ash Wednesday brings on the first day of Lent which is in preparation for Easter (the Sunday Jesus Christ was resurrected based on his crucifixion on Good Friday). Lent mirrors Jesus’s time fasting in the desert while being tempted by Satan.

Along with Ash Wednesday marking the first day of Lent, this begins fasting. If one is from age eighteen to fifty-nine and doesn’t have medical issues that interfere with fasting, they are required to fast. Years fourteen and older are asked to not eat meat on Fridays as well.

The whole Lent and Easter season includes celebrations by Christians for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus is seen as the Holy Son of God and died for his people’s sins. So, if you are planning to participate in Ash Wednesday this year, all the good to you. If not, make sure to respect your community and the events happening around you.