Ash Wednesday meaning, Calendar, It is the first day of Lent 46 days before Easter, Why do we put ash on our forehead, Where do the ashes come from, When do I wash the Ashes off my face

Ash Wednesday celebrations in Kenya, Quotes, SMS Messages, Wishes, Celebrations in Kenya

What is the meaning of ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It is 46 days before Easter and occurs anywhere between February 4 and March 10. The religious holiday has not occurred on Feb. 29 and will not do so until 2096.

Its official name is “Day of Ashes,” so called because of the practice of rubbing ashes on one’s forehead in the sign of a cross. Since it is exactly 40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter Sunday, it will always fall on a Wednesday—there cannot be an “Ash Thursday” or “Ash Monday.” The Bible never mentions Ash Wednesday—for that matter, it never mentions Lent.

Ash Wednesday Calendar:

2016 – February 10
2017 – March 1
2018 – February 14
2019 – March 6
2020 – February 26

Why do we put ash on our forehead?

Ashes are applied to our forehead in the sign of the cross as the words, “Remember, you are dust and to dust you shall return” are spoken to us. The other formula which is used, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” emphasizes our call to continual conversion and holiness of life. This act symbolizes our mortality as well as our need for ongoing repentance. It is a reminder that this life is short and merely a foreshadowing of what we shall become through the redemption of Jesus Christ on the cross.

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Where do the ashes come from?

The ashes for Ash Wednesday normally are made from blessed palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday. The ashes are sprinkled with Holy Water and incensed before distribution.

When do I wash the Ashes off my face?

There is no specific instruction on how long ashes are to be worn. You can, in fact, wash them off immediately after the service if you want. Many people choose to wear their ashes for the remainder of the day both as a reminder of their own mortality and as a witness before those around that they are a follower of Christ and are entering into a season of examination and abstinence.

Ash Wednesday Quotes

Ash Wednesday; Time to reflect and share our thanks, for this is the time that we remember the greatest sacrifice.

Ash Wednesday is full of joy…The source of all sorrow is the illusion that of ourselves we are anything but dust.

On this Ash Wednesday let’s make our first sacrifice of turning over to The Lord every anxiety and fear.

Most gracious God we come praying on this Ash Wednesday as we remember our Lord Jesus’ trek toward Calvary. Thank you for such love, Amen.

Ash Wednesday a day that reminds us were not here forever, and challenges us to live the very best everyday.

Repent and believe in the gospel. A Blessed Ash Wednesday to all my fellow Catholics.

Today is the start of Lenten season, time to give time to the one who made us and sacrificed Himself for us. Wednesday Day of Ashes today.

Ash Wednesday meaning, Calendar, Quotes, SMS Messages, Wishes, Celebrations in KenyaIt is the first day of Lent 46 days before Easter, Why do we put ash on our forehead, Where do the ashes come from, When do I wash the Ashes off my face
Ash Wednesday meaning, Calendar, Quotes, SMS Messages, Wishes, Celebrations in KenyaIt is the first day of Lent 46 days before Easter, Why do we put ash on our forehead, Where do the ashes come from, When do I wash the Ashes off my face

In your emptiness, You will find yourself. You will find your God. Homily, Peace be with you.  Wednesday Day of Ashes!


Praying with all who enter into a special fast and spiritual sobriety today on Ash Wednesday. May we all come before our Savior in humility.

Lent is the time of our lives where we are most especially called to reflect on our own lives and ask ourselves, how much do we thirst for an intimate relationship with our loving Jesus who is just waiting for us to respond to His love? It is the time that we must deeply ponder how much do we thirst for a life that is life-giving to others?


Merciful and everliving God, Creator of heaven and earth, the crucified body of your Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy day. Grant that we may await with him the dawning of the third day and rise in newness of life, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.

From dust you came and to dust you shall return. Turn to Christ and sin no more. Happy Wednesday Day of Ashes

During Lent, let us find concrete ways to overcome our indifference.

Lent is not just a period of repentance, it is an opportunity for repentance, a period that reminds us of our daily duties towards holiness as a global family.

For Catholics, today is Ash Wednesday. For Rastafarians, I believe it’s called Hash Wednesday.

This Ash Wednesday, best wishes on proving you love Jesus more than you love not looking ridiculous in front of your peers.

I hope your Ash Wednesday isn’t ruined by being reminded you’re going to die.

Today is Ash Wednesday, a day when we contemplate our mortality. I rubbed my cancer scar, said a prayer of thanks and moved on.

Today is Ash Wednesday so don’t tell people that their foreheads are dirty.

About Laban Thua Gachie 30968 Articles
I am a proud Kenyan. I have a Bachelors Degree in Communication and Media Technology from Maseno University. I am an Online Content Developer for Kenyanlife.com and Catholicreadings.org. My passion is helping others realize their passions and dreams so that they can live a decent and fulfilling life.