Why celebrate Ash Wednesday?
Today is Ash Wednesday and all that matters for many is that it is a holiday, which means no work or school. This holiday is celebrated every year, but the truth is, many are unaware of why this day is set aside as a public holiday. Take for example, Andr Jones, who looks no more than 25 years old. He said he would be spending Ash Wednesday on a flight leaving Jamaica. When asked if he knew the meaning behind the day, he proudly said, “Yeah, man! It’s a day we set aside to celebrate black history.” Two police officers on the job in downtown Kingston took the time to briefly share what they knew about the day. It became clear rather quickly, that they knew very little. They soon admitted that they remembered nothing about its significance. Spending the day at home More than half of the people interviewed said they would be spending the day at home with family and friends or just catching up on sleep. There were, however, a few who said they would be going to church for the morning and e
In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter (Sundays are not included in the count). Ash Wednesday celebrations can be traced back to as early as 300 AD, symbolising the beginning of the Lenten season. It started as a special preparation for people being baptised during the Easter season. Lent comes from an old English word, Lenten, and means spring, and is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. During some Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers. Not all Christian churches observe Ash Wednesday or Lent. They are mostly observed by the Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican denominations, and also by Roman Catholics. Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6 weeks or 40 days preceding Palm Sunday w
