History of Ash Wednesday: Where’s the Ash from?

Ash Wednesday

Reading Time: 2 minutesHISTORY OF ASH WEDNESDAY Podcast version   n the Western church, the first day of Lent is called Ash Wednesday, derived from the ceremonial use of ashes as a symbol of penitence in the service prescribed for the day. It follows Mardi Gras, also known as Shrove Tuesday, and ends with Easter, 40 days later,…

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History of Mardi Gras: Why is it called Fat Tuesday?

Mardi Gras

Reading Time: 4 minutesHISTORY OF MARDI GRAS Podcast version   ardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French. It is celebrated the day after Shrove Monday and the day before Ash Wednesday as a last “fling” before the 40 days of self-denial of Lent, which precede Easter. Lent is a word that comes from the Middle English word “lente,” which…

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History of Ash Wednesday: Where does the Ash come from?

Ash Wednesday

Reading Time: 2 minutesHISTORY OF ASH WEDNESDAY In the Western church, the first day of Lent is called Ash Wednesday from the ceremonial use of ashes, as a symbol of penitence, in the service prescribed for the day. It follows Mardi Gras, also known as Shrove Tuesday, and ends with Easter 40 days later, not counting Sundays. It…

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