Ash Wednesday marks beginning of Lent
Wednesday, Feb. 22, marks the beginning of the Lenten season. 
Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday before Easter Sunday.
Traditionally, ashes used to observe the day come from the burning of palm leaves used during Palm Sunday services the previous year.
The ashes are placed on congregants’ foreheads in the sign of the cross as they participate in Ash Wednesday services.
The words “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return” remind believers of their mortality — that they are on Earth for a short time.
Lent, the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter, excluding Sundays, is a time when many Christians choose to give up one of their favorite foods, drinks or activities.
Lenten fasting is seen as a way for Christians to identify with Jesus in the suffering he experienced to redeem mankind.
Ash Wednesday and Lent are observed particularly in Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran and United Methodist faith communities, although other Christian denominations often participate as well.
Look for more information about Lent in Saturday’s Life section in The Oklahoman.
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Here are other dates to remember:
Palm Sunday will be April 1.
Good Friday will be April 6.
Easter Sunday will be April 8. Traditional Orthodox churches will celebrate Easter on April 15.
Meanwhile, the Jewish faith community will celebrate the first night of Passover on April 6.
(CUTLINE/DAVID MCDANIEL/THE OKLAHOMAN) The Rev. Roberto Quanto, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, shows the ashes that will be used for the 2012 Ash Wednesday services at his south Oklahoma City parish.)
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
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