About Today: Lowdown on Lent: Ashes, Fish, and What to Give Up

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Today Even if they're still stuffed from Fat Tuesday feasting and tired out from Mardi Gras festivities, it's time for many Christians around the world to turn their attention to Lent, a much more solemn (and sober) religious season observed in the weeks leading up to Easter. For daily religious information and inspiration, follow About.com Religion on Facebook and Twitter. What Is Ash Wednesday? Wondering why you keep passing people on the street with a black cross on their foreheads? Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Lenten season for many Christians. The ashes, which are made by burning the palms that were distributed the previous year on Palm Sunday, are blessed and serve as a symbol of humility and a call to repentance. Is Ash Wednesday a Holy Day of Obligation? Should Catholics Keep Their Ashes on All Day? Search Related Topics:  ash wednesday  easter  lent Why Is Everyone Giving Somthing Up for Lent? Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for the Easter season and resurrection of Jesus by observing a period of fasting and moderation (although specific requirements can vary based on the denomination). For many, it's also a time of self-sacrifice. You may know people who "give up" things like chocolate, Facebook, or even (gasp!) stop drinking coffee during Lent. 205 Things You Gave Up During Lent in 2013 Spiritual Readings for Every Day of Lent Search Related Topics:  lent  fasting  easter Why Do Catholics Eat Fish on Fridays? Catholics aren't supposed to eat meat on Fridays during Lent (among these other fasting rules), so it's often a "fish is the dish" dinner in many homes. If you're looking for something new to swap in, we present the ultimate collection of meatless and Lenten season-approved recipes. 10 Favorite (and Easy) Vegetarian Dinners 13 Hearty Vegetarian and Vegan Soups 10 Fish Dishes Even Your Kids Will Love Search Related Topics:  fasting  abstinence  ash wednesday So When Is Easter This Year Anyway? Most people know the Lenten season is 40 days long. So why, you might ask, are there actually 46 days between today and Easter Sunday on April 20? The answer about how Lent's 40 days are really calculated takes us back to the early days of Christianity. Why Is Easter Never On the Same Day Every Year? Important Dates for the 2014 Easter Season Search Related Topics:  lent  ash wednesday  easter sunday Related Searches Catholic Lent Easter Lent Ash Wednesday Easter Sunday Fish Recipes Featured Articles Follow About.com Religion on Facebook How to Deal With a Bad Boss Why Americans Are More Stressed Out Than Ever Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Memory 5 Things You Should Never Post on Facebook Why You Might Want to Memorize Some Bible Verses   More from About.com Run Your First 5K Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...> Help! I'm Too Busy Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Today newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2014 About.com     Follow us on: Advertisement