Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday History

Ash Wednesday marks the commencement of the season of Lent. This day serves as an invitation for believers to observe a period of penance, fasting and almsgiving leading up to Easter. It also symbolizes human mortality, a concept that is depicted through the ritualistic application of ashes on the foreheads of the faithful. The ashes used in this gesture typically stem from the blessed palm branches of the previous year's Palm Sunday, therefore bridging the gap between celebration and repentance.

The origins of Ash Wednesday are deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition of penance and fasting, and its wider observance began around the 8th century within the Western Church. For Australians, Ash Wednesday holds a dual significance. Christian observance remains consistent with global practices whilst concurrently, Australians remember the tragic Ash Wednesday bushfires of 1983. This has marked Ash Wednesday as a day of dual reflection – for both spiritual preparation for Easter and remembering the lives lost in one of the nation's most devastating natural disasters.

In terms of religious observance, Australians attend church services on Ash Wednesday where a priest applies ashes on their foreheads in the shape of the cross. These services provide a moment of tranquillity for reflection and penitence. The reflection extends to the commemoration of the infamous Ash Wednesday bushfires wherein various memorials and remembrance events are held around the country. The date of Ash Wednesday changes each year as it is determined by the date of Easter, but it always falls on a Wednesday, 46 days before Easter Sunday.

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.
• The practice of abstaining from meat and fasting on Ash Wednesday is common among the Catholic community in Australia. Some people choose to give up something they enjoy, such as sweets, alcohol, or social media, during the entire Lenten period as a form of sacrifice and reflection.
• Many Catholic and Anglican churches across Australia hold special services on Ash Wednesday, where worshippers receive the imposition of ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. This symbolizes mortality and repentance. Some churches and religious schools also organize events and activities to showcase the significance of Ash Wednesday, particularly to young people.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Ash Wednesday

Top things to do in Australia 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 film to learn more about Ash Wednesday:
  Ash Wednesday, 1983 - A documentary by the ABC that provides a comprehensive account of the devastating bushfires that ravaged Victoria and South Australia. It combines archival footage and personal recollections from survivors, emergency service personnel, and journalists.
  Black Saturday: In the Line of Fire - Although it primarily focuses on Black Saturday — the worst bushfire in Australian history — it also covers the events and aftermath of Ash Wednesday.
• Attend Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Sydney: This is a highlight event for many people in Australia, where they observe Ash Wednesday with special prayers and Mass. The Archbishop of Sydney often leads this event and uses ashes to mark the foreheads of the faithful.