Each Ash Wednesday, a Christian is reminded of the above by the priest or a Eucharistic minister who applies the ashen cross on the individual’s forehead. The ash used is made by burning the remains of the palm leaves blessed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year. The celebrant of the mass himself receives the ashes from some other priest, usually the highest in dignity of those present. 

 

This particular Wednesday sparks off the 40 (46, counting Sundays) days of fasting or Lent. It is a solemn day and not of a celebratory nature. The word Lent is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words lencten, meaning ‘Spring’ and lenctentid which literally means ‘Springtide’ but also was the word for ‘March,’ the month in which majority of Lent falls. This period is a time of prayer, penance, sacrifice, charity and good works; all in preparation for Easter and Christians are obligated not to partake in festivities and feasting. 

 

How and when Ash Wednesday was first observed is not certain but evidence shows that it took place well before the 18th Century. The Lenten practices and rules, in preparation for Easter, are not homogenous and are subjective till date. 

 

One of the core observances is repentance. It means to feel remorse for all the wrong doings in the past and to ask for forgiveness, move on and away from a sinful life. Lent is seen as a period of cleansing the body and soul. With respect to fasting, faithfull’s are not restricted to eating just one meal a day (except on Good Friday) or fast for the entire period of forty days, although they can if they choose to do so. It is imperative though, to avoid foods that one considers as treats and goodies as a way of ridding oneself from junk. Vegetarianism is adopted by most during this time. For the spiritual self, one usually pledges to pray more often and indulge in personal prayer, say the rosary, go to mass regularly and partake in reading of the holy Bible.  

 

Individuals take this opportunity to make lifestyle changes and abstain from vices too - reduce the amount of television watching, no consumption of alcohol or stop smoking. People decide to spend more and quality time with the family, indulge in daily exercises and eating healthy food. Changes in behavior too are introduced or re-introduced like tolerance towards others, anger management or to stop swearing, visiting the sick, giving alms to the poor and others. This is generally done in addition to fasting practices. Although fasting, alms giving, repentance is not new and perhaps is done at different times throughout the year, the spirit in which it is done this time is important. Whatever one does as a means of sacrifice or offering should be carried in the spirit of good will, humility and self discovery rather than to put up a pompous show for approval and praise from others.

  

If you would think about it, in the end, we are indeed nothing. All we need to do is simplify our lives and indulge in good will, and life will be easier and less complicated. A moment in thought with the above mentioned Bible verse will surely change your outlook toward life. The period of lent is one in which an individual realises the true meaning of being a Christian in today’s world. It is taken to be a call to seek metanoia -is a complete breakdown and rebuilding of the inner self for a brand new you. 

 

Welcome this period, as this might just bring out the best in you yet. 

 

 

In 2011, Ash Wednesday falls on 9th March. Ash Wednesday is also the first long conversion poem written by T. S. Eliot narrating a struggle that ensues when one who has lacked faith acquires it.