Christians Observe Ash Wednesday
By: Newsroom Solutions
Updated: March 9, 2011
Lent officially starts today with Ash Wednesday.
Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other churches hold special services that mark worshipers on the forehead with ashes as a symbol of death and repentance.
The 40 days of Lent is a representation of Jesus Christ's withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.
It is marked by fasting from both food and festivities.
Ash Wednesday is observed in the weeks before Easter.
Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other churches hold special services that mark worshipers on the forehead with ashes as a symbol of death and repentance.
The 40 days of Lent is a representation of Jesus Christ's withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.
It is marked by fasting from both food and festivities.
Ash Wednesday is observed in the weeks before Easter.
