What is Ash Wednesday?

Every year Christians all over the world celebrate Easter. This is a celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The 40 days leading up to Easter are known as Lent; a time when Christians fast and pray as a way of preparing for Easter.

There are two important days in the lead up to Lent - Shrove Tuesday (February 13th) and Ash Wednesday (February 14th).

Shrove Tuesday is popularly known as Pancake Day! This is because of the tradition that developed amongst Christians who would try to eat the food they had left in the house and make pancakes to use it up before Lent began.

If you fancy making some pancakes on the 13th you can try this simple recipe or this delicious vegan version!

'Shrove Tuesday' comes from the Old English word 'shriven', which means to have your confessions heard and be forgiven, and refers to the Sacrament of the Confession. Many Christians such as Roman Catholics, Lutherans and Anglicans will make a special effort to take some time for self-examination, and some will go to confession in preparation for Lent.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It is marked by many Christians as a day of fasting and abstinence, which means they will eat less or not at all, or give up things like meat on this day.

There are services to mark this day in many churches. Psalm 51 is often read and an introduction to Lent included. The ashes are distributed amongst the congregation, normally in the form of a cross on the head, and the minister will use words such as: "Repent and believe in the Gospel" or: "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return". These words remind Christians that one day we will die and it is important to make an effort in your journey of faith.

If you are interested in attending an Ash Wednesday service, Leeds Trinity University Chaplaincy will be having a Roman Catholic Mass on the 14th of February, or you can visit your local church. You can also find out more by checking out our Theology collection.