Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period in the lead up to Easter. Lent is a chance to slow down and be more intentional about giving your time and priorities to God, whether through prayer, acts of kindness, or giving something up.
Ash Wednesday itself started in the early Church, around 1st to 4th century as a form of public repentance, through sprinkling of ashes.
In services today, priests mark people’s foreheads with ashes – a symbol of humility and a reminder of human mortality. Priests will say the words “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”, originating from Genesis 3:19 when God tells Adam that his life, like all human life, is temporary, but turning back towards God offers something eternal.
Lent represents the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness, where he fasted, prayed, and resisted temptation (Matthew 4:1–11). Just as Jesus withdrew to focus on God, Lent invites us to step away from daily distractions and reflect on our lives – what’s going well, where we need to grow towards God, and how we can deepen our faith.
In medieval times, Christians followed strict fasting rules, like giving up meat, dairy, and sometimes fish. These days, it’s more flexible; some choose to give up something they love, like sweets, caffeine, or social media. Others choose to take on something positive, such as daily prayer, volunteering, or acts of kindness. The important thing is that together and individually, Christians use the time to keep their hearts and minds drawing closer to God.
Ash Wednesday falls on 5 March this year. Whether you’re a lifelong Christian, someone rediscovering faith, or just curious, you’re welcome to attend a service and experience this tradition for yourself. To find your nearest church, visit A Church Near You.
If you decide to participate in Lent, remember that Lent isn’t about self-denial, but about renewal and a chance to reset, refocus, and prepare for the joy of Easter. We have lots of resources on our website to help guide you through Lent – visit our dedicated Lent webpage.
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