For many religious people, spring time signifies the start of new life or a new beginning.  Ash Wednesday was this week, and unless you’re not the religious type or not interested in this Catholic tradition, this article isn’t for you.

This year Lent begins on March 1st and won’t end until Easter, which is April 16, roughly 40-46 days from Wednesday. The day came from the Jewish tradition of fasting and penance, with the inclusion of wearing ashes on your forehead.  The ashes symbolize the dust that God has made us from.

Ash Wednesday is the start of fasting and penitential prayer, which prepares us for Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Fasting is required to happen on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and every Friday people are required to not eat meat. This means no cow, no sheep, and no chicken. I mean, who doesn’t love fish on a Friday night?

Not only do individuals fast during this period, people are also required to give something up for lent. Usually it would be things that you love, like chewing gum or drinking soda, smoking or gossiping; as well as a variety of other things could be given up. The fasting and lent is made to mirror Christ’s  fasting in the wilderness. It also shows respect for the betrayal and crucifixion of Christ.  It can also be a time when individuals better themselves and make changes both physically, as well as spiritually.