Lent is often described simply as the 40 days and 40 nights leading up to Easter. But there is deep significance behind the season and many of the customs followed by the Catholic Church during that time period.
The Reason for Ashes on Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is probably best known for directly following Mardi Gras, but the truth is, without Ash Wednesday, there wouldn’t be a Mardi Gras celebration.
This day marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a period of sacrifice and penitence. Catholics receive ashes in the sign of a cross on their foreheads, which they typically wear through the entire day. This is a sign of repentance that dates back to ancient biblical times, where ashes were used to signify one’s remorse for their sins.
The Importance of Sacrifice During the Lenten Season
At its core, Lent is about following Christ’s way of life and worshiping Him through daily behaviors. From childhood, most Catholics are told to “give up” something during Lent. Many kids choose to give up sweets or a favorite toy, but regardless of what is given up, it is important that the action of doing so helps to teach the value of sacrifice, restraint and appreciation from a young age.
For Christians, abstaining from a food, habit or activity paves the way to giving up sinful or harmful habits in adulthood, something that for most, truly is a difficult sacrifice for the full period of Lent. The value of the exercise, however, doesn’t change; it is meant to bring all Catholics closer to their faith through emulating the behaviors of Christ.
The History Behind Not Eating Meat on Fridays
Stemming from the idea of fasting, there is a rule for all practicing Catholics that they will abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent. Similar to the idea of giving something up during the entirety of Lent, this is meant to help followers grow spiritually by putting themselves in a situation of mild suffering.
Though a small action, it serves as a demonstration to oneself of what real sacrifice means. Remembering not to eat meat on a Friday is a simple reminder of a Catholic’s faith and all that the sacrifice represents.
The Significance of Receiving Palms on Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter. It is supposed to be the day that Jesus arrived in Jerusalem and was greeted by followers waving palm branches. Palms are given out each year at Palm Sunday mass to remind Catholics of Jesus’ life, sacrifice, and the significance of the events of Holy Week. The following year, these same palms are collected at mass on Ash Wednesday and used to make ashes for the Ash Wednesday rituals.
Maureen Rousseau - Maureen Rousseau is a New England native currently living in London, UK. She earned a BA in English from Providence College and has ...
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