Ash Wednesday has arrived and the Lenten season − a significant part of the Christian faith − starts today.
Here is what we know about Ash Wednesday and Lent, plus what dates Easter, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday fall on:
When is Ash Wednesday 2026? What is Ash Wednesday date this year?
Ash Wednesday is on Feb. 18 in 2026.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Christians commonly celebrate Ash Wednesday with ashes on their forehead and fasting to start the Lenten season, according to britannica.com.
The practice reminds Christians of human mortality and the importance of reconciling with God.
When is Lent 2026? What are the Lent dates this year?
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is Feb. 18, 2026. Lent runs through April 2 this year.
“Lent is such an important time for all of us, whether we’ve taken our faith seriously for a while, or if maybe this might be our first Lent in prayer,” Hallow CEO and co-founder Alex Jones said.
“We all have an opportunity to return more deeply to our Father. We all have an opportunity to more fully come home to the God who loves us. It all starts on Ash Wednesday, February 18, when we receive ashes on our foreheads in the Sign of the Cross, remembering that we are dust and to dust we shall return.”
Hallow is “a prayer and meditation app that combines the peace and stillness of meditation with the spiritual growth of contemplative prayer,” according to hallow.com, and Jones said it’s popular during lent. “It’s always our biggest season at Hallow and we see it as a huge opportunity for folks to re-engage with their faith,” he said.
When does Lent start in 2026? What date does Lent end?
Lent begins on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, and ends on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
According to britannica.com, the early Christian church observed Lent over a six-week period or 36 days with fasting except on Sundays. The practice was extended to 42 days in the 7th century to create 40 days of fasting that would emulate the fast of Jesus Christ while he was in the desert.
What is the meaning of the ashes on Ash Wednesday?
According to christianity.com, the Bible references this in Genesis 2:7: “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
Therefore, ashes represent both death and repentance.
What is the purpose of ashes on the forehead on Ash Wednesday?
The purpose of ashes dates back to early Roman practices, according to britannica.com.
Serious sinners and penitents began a public penance on the first day of Lent. These people wore sackcloth, were sprinkled with ashes and remained apart until they were reconciled with the Christian community.
During the 8th to 10th centuries, this practice fell by the wayside and the penitential season of Lent started being marked with ashes placed on the heads of the entire congregation.
Where do the ashes for Ash Wednesday come from?
The ashes are gathered from burning the previous year’s palm branches used during Palm Sunday, according to britannica.com. The modern-day Roman Catholic Church is credited for applying the ashes in the shape of a cross on the forehead.
Is Ash Wednesday a holy day of obligation?
Not according to britannica.com. While Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, it is the most commonly attended service on the Christian calendar for non-Sunday services.
Can I do Ash Wednesday if I’m not Catholic?
Yes. According to christianity.com, Catholic, Orthodox and many Protestant believers observe Ash Wednesday. But not all Protestant believers.
“The path of Lent — prayer, fasting, and generosity over a period of time—is heavily emphasized by the authors of and characters in the Bible, including Jesus. The Bible commands a lifestyle of worship and devotion that looks considerably like Lent. Therefore, while the word is absent in the Bible, the reality of Lent is woven throughout the whole of Scripture, as we have discovered.”
christianity.com
Can you eat meat on Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is to be observed by fasting and abstinence, according to britannica.com. No meat is allowed and only one meal should be eaten on this day.
Can you wash off ashes after Ash Wednesday?
Absolutely. Keeping the ashes on the forehead is a choice and nobody is required to wear them after the practice is complete, according to uscatholic.org.
It is believed that many Christians keep the ashes on their forehead throughout the day as a witness to their faith. The thought is that when people ask about the ashes, an opportunity presents itself to share that faith with others.
When is Palm Sunday 2026?
Palm Sunday is March 29 in 2026.
When Is Maundy Thursday 2026?
Maundy Thursday is April 2 in 2026.
This is the final day of Lent for Christians and focuses on the remembrance of both the foot washing and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles.
When is Good Friday 2026?
Good Friday is April 3 in 2026.
This is when Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
When is Easter 2026? Why is the holiday so early this year?
Easter runs early in 2026 due to the calendar system. On the Gregorian calendar, used by most Christian denominations, Easter typically falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, known as the Paschal Full Moon.
Easter is the Christian celebration of Jesus Christ’s victory over sin and death through his resurrection.
Chris Sims is a digital producer for Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Is Ash Wednesday today? When does Lent start? Can I eat meat? Fasting, meaning, Easter 2026 date
Reporting by Chris Sims, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
