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Ash Wednesday in the United States of America

Considered by most Americans Christian, Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent. It follows Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday), which

features Mardi Gras celebrations. Ash Wednesday in the United States of America is a religious holiday observed by those of the Christian faith.

Lent is the traditional time for Christians to observe discipline (Lenten) usually in the form of fasting and prayer to reaffirm baptism at Easter. Christians believe Lent is the time to reflect on one’s life choices, mortality and the direction of their lives. At times it has been known as a wake-up call for some Christians for them to change their behavior and recommit to their faith. Lent precedes Easter one of the most important celebration of the Christian faith, the resurrection of their Lord and Savor; Jesus Christ.

Finally, Christian, during Lent, donates time and money to various charities. They also take an active part in their Church activities in the hope of getting closer to God. The fellowship of Lent on Christian in the United States reinforces their resolve of their faith.

On Ash Wednesday some American Christians go to their church services and receive a blessed cross image  on their foreheads. The ashes have been blessed and are to remind the Christian of mortality, sorrow for their and others sins, and change. The practice of crosses of ashes on the forehead is common among Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and Episcopalians. Churches who have recently adopted the practice of placing a cross on the forehead are some Methodist and Presbyterian.

Ash Wednesday in the United States of America is not a Federal holiday.

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