About Ash Wednesday 2008
Ash Wednesday is the day Lent begins. In 2008 this is on 6th February.
It
is called Ash Wednesday because it always falls on a Wednesday, and
Catholics have a cross marked on their heads with
blessed ashes on this day.
A mark on the head is a symbol of ownership and so the cross marked on our heads on Ash Wednesday shows that we belong to Christ, who died on a Cross.
A cross is marked
on our heads in
ashes
Ashes (made from last year's palms which have been burnt) are used as a traditional symbol of penance and death, reminding us of our mortality. It is a call to use the season of Lent as a time of repentance and renewal.
Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence.
Ashes are blessed and distributed at all masses in Catholic Churches on this day.