Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent that leads up to Good Friday and Easter. What to know about the day.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, an important time for Christians leading up to Easter. Here's what to know.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans, has been in full swing since Jan. 6 and will close with a final celebration on March 4 with a Fat Tuesday celebration.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are known as obligatory days of abstinence. Children 14 and older are expected to abstain from meat. The observance of Ash Wednesday dates to the 11th century ...

On Ash Wednesday, worshipers are also supposed to fast, allowing themselves to have one meal during the day. Children and elderly people are usually exempt from fasting and giving up meat.

It may appear odd, but it is a mark people that practice Christianity receive at Mass on Ash Wednesday, one of the "most popular and important holy days" in the religion. It also marks the ...