You Are Not the Only One

What is Ash Wednesday, and why do people give things up for Lent?

Millions of Christians all over the world will be marking the start of an important period of time on 14 February 2024.

That is because it is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in Western Christian churches. During Lent, many people decide to give something up that they love – perhaps chocolate, sweets or even using social media. Others might decide to take up something, like helping out more with chores at home or making an effort to do nice things for their family and friends. This year, Lent starts on Wednesday, 14 February, and leads to Easter Sunday, 31 March. Lent is a period of 40 days during which many Christians remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity. The 40-day period is called Lent after an old English word meaning ‘lengthen’. This is because of the time of year when it happens, as this is when the days start to get longer as we approach Summer. It is a time of reflection and of asking for forgiveness, and when Christians prepare to celebrate Jesus’s resurrection at the feast of Easter, which comes at the very end of Lent.

What is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is the day after Shrove Tuesday, which is also known as Pancake Day. Exactly when Ash Wednesday is each year depends on when Easter is, so the date changes. On Ash Wednesday, lots of churches hold special services where worshippers are marked on the forehead with ash, which is where the day gets its name from. Typically, the ash is made from burning special crosses made out of palm wood, which were used in church services on the previous year’s Palm Sunday. It is sometimes mixed with special oil.

How long is Lent?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 days of Lent, not including Sundays, leading up to Easter. In 2024, Lent starts on 14 February, and Easter Sunday is on 31 March.

Why do people give things up until Easter Sunday?

Millions of people do this during Lent as a sign of sacrifice and to test their self-discipline. Some Christians believe that this is to represent Jesus Christ’s sacrifice when he went into the desert to pray and fast for 40 days before later dying on the cross. In the Bible’s New Testament, while Jesus was there, Satan tempted him to turn away from God and worship him instead, but Jesus refused to, which is why people might give something up in order to test their own self-discipline, too.

Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said aid, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:3–4 NKJV

Lent ends with Holy Week, which leads to Easter Sunday or Passover – the most important day in the Christian calendar. Passover/Easter is a reminder of the resurrection of Jesus after his death on the cross and is a celebration of his life and ours because when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, we receive a promise that we will enter into everlasting life with Jesus. Easter/Passover is celebrated by Christians all around the world.

From GCI:

• Preparation for Easter begins with Ash Wednesday and continues through Holy Saturday (thus overlapping Holy Week). This season focuses on Jesus’ ministry and his journey to the cross.
• Holy Week
  • Passion (Palm) Sunday (Jesus’ triumphant entry and his lament over Jerusalem)
  • Maundy Thursday (The last supper with his disciples, the new commandment to love as he loves, and the promise of the Holy Spirit.)
  • Good Friday (Jesus’ death and burial)

• Holy Saturday (A day of reflection of Jesus in the tomb and the hope of the resurrection. Often considered a day of recommitment.)
• Easter Season—beginning with Easter Sunday and continuing to Pentecost, including two special celebrations:
  • Easter Sunday—celebrating Jesus’ resurrection.
  • The Ascension of our Lord—40 days after Easter Sunday (Jesus’ promise to always be with us (Matthew 28), and our inclusion in his ascension.
  • Source GCI: Lent