Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day of prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Culture
Ash Wednesday
Origin and history of ash wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the onset of the Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and abstinence. It is also known as the 'Day of Ashes'. So called because on that day at church the faithful have their foreheads marked with ashes in the shape of a cross.