If you notice people with ash‑marked crosses on their foreheads on Feb. 18, it's because of Ash Wednesday, which marks thestart of Lenton the Christian calendar.
Ash Wednesday fallsthe day after Mardi Grasand is traditionally observed with church services where ashes are applied to the forehead as a symbolic reminder of reflection and renewal. The day begins Lent, a 40‑day period leading up to Easter on April 5 that is often marked by limited fasting, dietary restrictions such asavoiding meat on Fridays, and acts of charity.
Contrary to popular belief,Lent is not exclusively observed by Catholics, but is also practiced by Orthodox Christians and Protestants, including Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and some Evangelical churches.
Here's what to know about Ash Wednesday.
When is Ash Wednesday? When does Lent begin?
Ash Wednesday falls on Wednesday, Feb. 18. The holy day marks the beginning of Lent.
When is Easter Sunday?
Easter Sunday will fall on April 5 in 2026.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a period for repentance and prayer, according to theUnited States Conference of Catholic Bishops(USCCB). It is also a time when people are asked to perform acts of charity.
On this day, many Christians mark their Lenten journey by receiving ashes made from the palms distributed during the previous year's Palm Sunday celebration, the first day of Holy Week, which commemorates Jesus's entry into Jerusalem. Many Catholics will attend a mass where the priests will smudge ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross.
The season of prayer lasts 40 days, excluding Sundays, and ends on Holy Thursday (April 2). It is when Christians prepare to "celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter."
Fasting during Lent
Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (April 3), according to USA TODAY's previous reporting. But Roman Catholic guidelines for fasting differ from those in other faiths that require believers to abstain from food or drink for extended periods.
"In the Church's directions for fasting, she says one regular-sized meal and two smaller meals that don't equal that regular-sized meal," Father Dustin Dought, the executive director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, previously told USA TODAY.
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There is no specific portion size set in the rule. Dought says it's "relative" depending on the person and their life stage.
"A full meal for someone who does very intense bodily work may be different from a full meal for someone who doesn't," said Dought.
According to him, the only Roman Catholics who are obligated to fast are people aged 18 to 59.
Catholics avoid eating meat on Ash Wednesday
Catholicsabstain from eating meaton Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent, including Good Friday.
"Since Jesus sacrificed his flesh for us on Good Friday, we refrain from eating flesh meat in his honor on Fridays," statedthe Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
William Johnston, an associate professor of religious studies at the University of Dayton, previously toldUSA TODAYthat abstaining from eating meat is also a form of penance – admitting to any wrongdoings and sins while turning back to belief in God.
What can Catholics eat while abstaining during Lent?
On days when people abstain from eating meat, the most popular choice is fish, according to previous USA TODAY reporting.
The Archdiocese says fish, shrimp, crab, lobster and other shellfish can also be eaten.
Those who don't have a taste for seafood can opt for non-flesh animal products, like milk, eggs, cheese and butter.
Contributing:Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her onLinkedIn,X,Instagram, andTikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:What is Ash Wednesday? When it is and why it's celebrated.
