Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in Western Christianity. Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of blessing ashes made from palm branches blessed on the previous year's Palm Sunday, and placing them on the heads of participants to the accompaniment of the words "Repent, and believe in the Gospel" or "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

Many churches have Ash Wednesday services, but the time varies during the day. So if you see people today with the mark of the cross on their foreheads, you will know that they are participating in this season of Lent.