Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a season observed by millions of Christians globally, dedicated to fasting and prayer, spanning the six weeks leading up to Easter Sunday.

The way Ash Wednesday is observed varies around the world, shaped by local traditions and cultural nuances. Italy and the Philippines hold large Masses where ashes are applied en masse.

As Christians around the world mark the start of the season of Lent at Ash Wednesday services, the pope is taking part in associated traditions in his hospital room. Pope Francis had ashes imposed ...

Like many other Christian traditions, the origins of Ash Wednesday can be traced back to ancient Rome. "They're placed on our forehead in the sign of a cross," Burns said.

On Ash Wednesday, many Christians have ... Around the 10th century, the practice arose of acting out those words about ashes by actually marking the foreheads of those taking part in the ritual.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for many Christian traditions, but the internet does what it does best by irreverent memeing of the occasion. This religious holiday falls six weeks ...

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for people of Christian faith. Each year, Catholics, Lutherans and other denominations around the world observe the 40-day period of self-sacrifice and ...

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for people of Christian faith. Each year, Catholics, Lutherans and other denominations around the world observe the 40-day period of self-sacrifice and ...

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for people of Christian faith. Each year, Catholics, Lutherans and other denominations around the world observe the 40-day period of self-sacrifice and ...

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for people of Christian faith. Each year, Catholics, Lutherans and other denominations around the world observe the 40-day period of self-sacrifice and ...

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for people of Christian faith. Each year, Catholics, Lutherans and other denominations around the world observe the 40-day period of self-sacrifice and ...

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent for people of Christian faith. Each year, Catholics, Lutherans and other denominations around the world observe the 40-day period of self-sacrifice and ...