Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday Quick Facts - CA

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2024 DateFebruary 14, 2024
2025 DateMarch 5, 2025

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Ash Wednesday

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Ash Wednesday marks the commencement of the season of Lent. It is a day of reflection, penance, and fasting aimed at preparing the faithful for Easter -- one of the most significant events in Christianity. Significant to its observance is the imposition of ashes on the foreheads of participants, a ritual signifying mortality and the need for repentance.

Ash Wednesday's history dates back to the early Christian traditions of the 8th century. Its observance in Canada, just like in many other Western nations, is mainly attributed to immigration and the influence of European settlers who brought these religious traditions with them. Particularly for a large chunk of the Canadian populace identifying as Catholic, this day serves as a solemn reminder of their faith's tenets and values.

In Canada, Ash Wednesday observance is not significantly different from other parts of the world where this tradition is observed. Worshipers participate in church services during which a priest administers ashes in the form of a cross on the forehead. This act is usually accompanied by the saying, "Remember you are dust, and to dust, you shall return." Ash Wednesday occurs on the same day in Canada as it does globally - 46 days before Easter Sunday, its date varies each year, depending on the date of Easter.

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Facts about Ash Wednesday

  • Ashes to ashes, dust to dust is a phrase commonly recited during Ash Wednesday services. It is meant to remind us of our mortality in that we began as dust and our bodies will ultimately return to dust after our death. This phrase originates from Genesis 3:19: ...for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  • The day before Ash Wednesday is Mardi Gras. As this is the last day before the start of Lent, it is often accompanied by partying and celebrations. The idea being that it is the last day to indulge before the Lenten period of moderation and repentance.
  • In some Canadian Indigenous communities, there has been a blending of traditional Christian and Indigenous spiritual practices, such as the use of local wood and natural materials for creating the ashes. Additionally, some Indigenous Catholic priests also incorporate traditional teachings and symbolism in their Ash Wednesday services.
  • In the city of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ash Wednesday coincides with the beginning of the 12-day-long period of Lenten food celebrations, called “Lentspree.”

Top things to do in Canada for Ash Wednesday

  • Fast during Ash Wednesday to commemorate Jesus fasting for forty days in the desert. Catholics are specifically instructed to not eat meat and are only permitted to eat one full meal. However they may have 2 snacks in the form of some food in the morning and evening.
  • Make fiber-rich vegetarian versions of popular dishes. Some good ideas are Veggie Burgers, Vegetarian Chili and salads with Tempeh. The fiber will help keep you feeling full - useful if you fast for the rest of the day!
  • Watch a documentary to learn more about Ash Wednesday such as:
    For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada
    The Francis Effect
    Living Stones
  • Attend Services at Notre-Dame Basilica: Located in Montreal, Ash Wednesday is observed with special services where priests mark the foreheads of worshipers with ashes as a sign of repentance and mortality.

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