the solemnity and reverence of ash wednesday a holy day for christians that marks the beginning of the day lenten season

itionally made on the forehead during ash wednesday services lent christianity holy day religious observance tradition mark solemnity reverence christian faith prayer worship ashes penitence sacrifice fasting repentance spiritual preparation symbol liturgical season catholicism protestantism ritual culture discipline penance confession forgiveness redemption atonement renewal faithful devotion church service mass ceremony community