Definition

Proper noun * Ash Wednesday: The seventh Wednesday before Easter Sunday; the first day of the Christian season of Lent. It is a day of fasting, repentance, and prayer, following the celebrations of Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).

Usage

Ash Wednesday is observed by many Christian denominations, including Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and others. The day marks the beginning of a 40-day period of reflection and preparation for Easter.

Examples

• Ash Wednesday is a solemn day in the Christian calendar.
• Many Christians attend a special service on Ash Wednesday.
• The priest places ashes in the shape of a cross on the foreheads of the faithful on Ash Wednesday.

Advanced Usage

• Observance: The central ritual involves the imposition of ashes, often with the words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" or "Repent, and believe in the Gospel." This symbolizes mortality, penance, and a commitment to change.
• Fasting and Abstinence: For many observers, Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting (eating less) and abstinence (refraining from eating meat).

Variants and Related Words

• Lent (noun): The 40-day period of fasting and prayer beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending before Easter.
• Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday (noun): The day before Ash Wednesday, traditionally a day of feasting and celebration.
• Ashes (noun): The burnt palm fronds from the previous year's Palm Sunday service, used in the Ash Wednesday ritual.

Synonyms

• The first day of Lent.
• The beginning of Lent.

Related Phrases

• To observe Ash Wednesday: To participate in the rituals and customs of the day.
  • Our family observes Ash Wednesday by attending the morning service.
• Ash Wednesday service/mass: The specific religious ceremony held on this day.
  • The Ash Wednesday service was very moving.

Noun

1. the 7th Wednesday before Easter; the first day of Lent; the day following Mardi Gras (`Fat Tuesday'); a day of fasting and repentance