Ash Wednesday in Canada

Many Christians in Canada mark Ash Wednesday as the first day of Lent. It is the beginning of the Lenten fast and is the day after Shrove Tuesday.

Ash is often used to mark people's foreheads on Ash Wednesday.

©iStockphoto.com/Ben Beltman

What do people do?

Many churches in Canada hold special Ash Wednesday services for their congregations. It is a time when people who seek penitence for their wrongdoings are marked with the sign of the cross, from blessed ashes, on their forehead. This symbolic occasion reminds people of their mortality and sorrow for sins, as well as the will for change and the hope of forgiveness.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lenten discipline for many Christian churches. It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer as part or preparations for Easter when they are ready to receive or reaffirm their baptism. For some Christians, Lent is a time to think about life and death, as well as reflect on life’s choices and possible life directions.

Ash Wednesday serves as a wakeup call for some Christians. It is also a time of goodwill for many people. There are also those who chose this time of the year to donate to charities or take part in charity events as a way to get close to God.

Public life

Ash Wednesday is not a national public holiday in Canada.

Background and Symbols

The practice of marking foreheads with ashes was common among Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and some other churches in Canada but it is now practiced in various other Christian denominations. A general article about Ash Wednesday worldwide covers more information about its background and symbols.

About Ash Wednesday in other countries

Ash Wednesday Observances

Related holiday

• Carnival/Shrove Tuesday ―Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Other holidays in February 2013 in Canada

• Groundhog Day ―Saturday, February 2, 2013
• Chinese New Year ―Sunday, February 10, 2013
• Family Day ―Monday, February 11, 2013
• Carnival/Shrove Tuesday ―Tuesday, February 12, 2013
• Valentine's Day ―Thursday, February 14, 2013
• National Flag of Canada Day ―Friday, February 15, 2013
• Family Day ―Monday, February 18, 2013
• Islander Day ―Monday, February 18, 2013
• Louis Riel Day ―Monday, February 18, 2013
• Heritage Day in the Yukon ―Friday, February 22, 2013
• Purim ―Sunday, February 24, 2013