US EditionWhat Is Lent? 40-Day Period of Fasting Begins on Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday initiates Lent with ashes made from last year's palms and fasting, observed by multiple Christian denominations to prepare spiritually for Easter.
- Ash Wednesday 2026 on Feb. 18 marks the start of Lent, the 40-day season running until April 2, signaling a time for penitential renewal.
- Grounded in the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert, the 40-day timeframe was set at the Council of Nicaea .
- At services, priests place ashes made from blessed Palm Sunday palms on worshippers' foreheads as a cross, saying 'Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return' referencing Genesis.
- For many, Lent involves fasting, prayer, and abstaining from meat, with Catholics asked to fast and abstain on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, April 3, according to the Catholic Telegraph.
- Yesterday, Fat Tuesday ended the Mardi Gras season on Feb. 17, 2026, as Palm Sunday on March 29, Good Friday on April 2 and Easter on April 5 approach during Holy Week.
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If fasting is the case, then right: instead of just giving up meat, on Ash Wednesday, I removed everything containing calories from my menu. Happiness hormones were still waiting for you ...
Christians mark Ash Wednesday, beginning the Lenten Season in photos
Christians around the world mark Ash Wednesday as the solemn beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting and reflection leading to Good Friday and Easter. ___ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. The Associated Press
Ash Wednesday marks start of Lenten season across Tri-State
Christians across the Tri-State are observing Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season leading up to Easter. Leaders at First Presbyterian Church say the day focuses on reflection, faith and spiritual preparation, with services open to anyone who wants…
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a period of fasting, reflection - and fish fries
The officiant typically says, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," a stark reminder that death is part of life and that one should focus on things of the spirit.
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