Ash Wednesday

Meaning

Noun

• The Wednesday 46 days before Easter in a given year, traditionally observed as the beginning of Lent and a day of strict abstention from certain foods and pleasures.

Origin

• From Middle English Aschewednysday, Axwednesdai, &c., from asshe, axe, &c. + Wednesdai, Wednysday, &c., from the custom of using the blessed ashes of the previous year's palm fronds (cf. Palm Sunday) to mark the heads of the congregation on the day.