Ash Wednesday: What Christians Should Not Do, Including Foods to Avoid for 40 Days

Ash Wednesday is a special day when Christian faithful mark the beginning of the Lent season that is observed in the 40 days leading up to Easter.

Ash Wednesday symbolizes the mortality of human beings. Christians take time to reflect on their lives, reconcile with God, and grow their religion.

As part of the commemoration, ashes are placed on their foreheads in the form of a cross hence the name ‘Ash Wednesday’.

As the ash is applied on their foreheads, the phrase ‘You are dust and to dust you shall return,’ is recited by the person applying the ash.

Ash Wednesday and what you should not do during Lent 

On Ash Wednesday, adults are supposed to avoid meat and can eat only one large meal. They may eat smaller meals in between but the meals should not add up to a major meal. 

During the Lent period, Christians undertake several practices that endeavor to strengthen their faith in preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus. 

The practices during the Lent period entail making sacrifices on certain aspects of their lives and they are meant to represent Jesus Christs’ sacrifice when he prayed and fasted in the desert for 40 days.

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Their actions during this period are guided by three factors: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

From this basis, Christians are supposed to abstain from eating meat every Friday of the month. They can also voluntarily refrain from drugs, alcohol, and engaging in sexual intercourse.

Christians are also called upon to pray more often in order to get closer to God. They are also encouraged to read the word of God more often and for Catholics, they are encouraged to attend mass as many times as they can.

Significance of Lent

Giving to the less fortunate is also emphasized during the Lent period. Christians are encouraged to give money, time, or goods to those in need.

During Lent, purple color is used in the church, to symbolize pain, suffering, mourning, and repentance. It is also used to symbolize the royalty of Jesus.

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Lent culminates in the Holy Week, which leads up to Easter. During this week, Christians recount the suffering, death, and burial of Jesus Christ.

The Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday when Christians commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem.

The Holy Week concludes on Holy Saturday and Easter is marked on Easter Sunday when Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christian groups that observe Lent and Easter include the Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Lutherans, and Methodists.

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