Ash Wednesday, also known as "Holy Ash Wednesday," occurs seven days before Easter. It is the first day of Lent, which always falls on a Wednesday. This day is significant because it marks the day Jesus was betrayed. The Church conducts a service of imposition of ashes, where ashes from the burned palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday are used to signify repentance.
The term "ashes" or "dust" originates from the Bible. In the Book of Genesis, Adam was expelled from Eden and heard God say, "You are dust, and to dust you shall return." The Book of Job speaks of humility and penance when it says, "Therefore, I will be ashamed and cover myself with dust." The Book of Daniel also refers to seeking God with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, which begins 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays). Therefore, the first day of Lent can be as early as February 4th or as late as March 10th. This year, it falls on March 6th, which is relatively late. On this day, the Church typically performs the rite of the imposition of ashes. The ashes are usually taken from the burned palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday, mixed with olive oil, and applied to the forehead in the shape of a cross. This signifies mourning and repentance.
According to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus fasted and resisted temptation in the desert for 40 days before beginning his ministry. Therefore, Christians observe a 40-day Lenten period as a time of repentance and contemplation, preparing for the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. During this time, Christians focus on repentance and prayer in anticipation of Easter.
For many Christians, Lent is a sacred season. T.S. Eliot,被誉为“20世纪主要诗人之一”的作者，在1930年发表了一首名为《圣灰星期三》（Ash Wednesday）的长诗。
来源：百度百科-圣灰星期三
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