All About Ash Wednesday as 40 Days of Lent Begins

Lent, one of the most sacred seasons in Christianity, begins today, March 5, 2025, with Ash Wednesday. This marks the start of 40 days of prayer, fasting, and reflection leading up to Easter Sunday on April 20.

The season is not just about giving things up but also about making space for spiritual renewal. It’s an opportunity to reflect on one’s life, seek forgiveness, and prepare for the celebration of Easter, which represents the triumph of hope and resurrection.

No matter how each person chooses to observe it, Lent is ultimately about drawing closer to God, embracing humility, and strengthening one’s spiritual journey.

What is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a period modeled after the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. On this day, Christians worldwide attend church services to receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. 

These ashes symbolize repentance, humility, and a reminder of human mortality. The phrase often spoken during this ritual, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” emphasizes the need for self-reflection and spiritual renewal.

The ashes used on Ash Wednesday come from burnt palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. This tradition connects past celebrations with present devotion, reminding believers of the cycle of faith, sacrifice, and redemption.

Why 40 Days?

The number 40 holds deep spiritual significance in Christianity. It represents Jesus’ fasting and temptation in the desert before beginning His public ministry. It also recalls the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering in the wilderness. 

The period of Lent is meant to be a time of preparation, helping Christians refocus on their faith and grow closer to God.

Key Dates in Lent 2025

• Ash Wednesday – March 5
• Palm Sunday – April 13
• Maundy Thursday – April 17
• Good Friday – April 18
• Easter Sunday – April 20

The dates of Lent change every year because Easter follows the lunar calendar, but the core practices of the season remain the same.

How do Christians observe lent?

Lent is a time of sacrifice and self-discipline. Many Christians choose to give up certain foods, habits, or luxuries as a way of strengthening their faith. Some common Lenten practices include:

• Fasting: Avoiding meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays throughout Lent.
• Prayer: Spending more time in prayer and spiritual reflection.
• Almsgiving: Helping the less fortunate through charity and acts of kindness.

Beyond these traditions, Lent is also a personal journey. Some people choose to reduce distractions like social media, excessive entertainment, or other habits that take away from their spiritual focus.