Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season

OMAHA, Neb. (KPTM) — Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season for Christians, according to nationaldaycalendar.com.

The day takes place 46 days before Easter and the day after Fat Tuesday/Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras.

On Ash Wednesday Christians will get ashes put on their forehead in a cross pattern during or after church services to represent repentance and death.

These same themes will be represented during the day's church services.

The ashes used are from the burning of the palms from the previous Sunday's services - also known as Palm Sunday.

There is no time requirement for the ashes, but many Christians will keep them on their forehead until the evening.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent which is a time for mediation, fasting, self-examination, and contemplation.

Christians tend to consider their own mortality and sins during this time to prepare for Easter which marks the end of Lent.

How to observe the occasion even if not Christian:

• Attend Ash Wednesday services
• Learn about the history and events surrounding Ash Wednesday
• Use #AshWednesday on social media to share how you celebrated

Ash Wednesday dates back to the sixth century. Although, the use of ashes during spiritual services dates back to ancient non-Christians, said the website.