It's Ash Wednesday. Here's what that means

"This is Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Lent, the most penitential season of the church calendar for Catholics and many other Christians. On Ash Wednesday, many Christians go to church for a service that emphasizes the start of a season of reflection, self-denial and repentance from sin. Worshippers receive ashes, commonly imposed in the shape of a cross on the forehead."

"Ash Wednesday is considered an obligatory fast day for Roman Catholics between 18 and 59 meaning limiting food to one full meal and two smaller-than-normal meals. Many Protestants particularly those in Episcopal, Lutheran and other historic churches also mark Ash Wednesday with similar liturgies. In recent years, many Episcopal and other churches in the United States have begun offering Ashes to Go in parking lots, commuter-rail stations and elsewhere."

"Among other Protestants, such as Baptists and other evangelical groups, traditions vary. Some observe Ash Wednesday and Lent, others don't. But they often have their own penitential and ascetic traditions. Many Pentecostals, for example, fast for a period in January to consecrate the year ahead. Members of another of the world's largest religions are also about to embark on their season of prayer and fasting."

Ash Wednesday signals the start of Lent, a penitential season of fasting, reflection, self-denial and repentance. Worshippers receive ashes, often marked on the forehead in a cross, accompanied by reminders such as 'Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return' or 'Repent and believe in the Gospel.' Roman Catholics aged 18–59 observe an obligatory fast limiting food to one full meal and two smaller meals. Many Protestants, especially Episcopal, Lutheran and other historic churches, observe similar liturgies. Some churches offer Ashes to Go in public places. Other Protestant traditions vary, and some fast at different times, while Ramadan may coincide.

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