Ash Wednesday will happen relatively early this year. It is February 18, 2026, and marks the start of Lent for Catholics. Catholics are expected to fast and give something up for Lent. Jesus said his followers should give alms and pray, in addition to fasting, during Lent.
When the Priest gives ashes to Catholics on Ash Wednesday, he makes the sign of the cross on the recipient’s forehead with the ashes and says, “Remember you are from dust and to dust you shall return.” This is a helpful reminder of mortality. Do you ever think of your own mortality?
Ash Wednesday Fasting Rules
Jesus gave the following directions for fasting (Matthew 6:16–18): fast without drawing attention, do not look gloomy, and keep fasting private. The Catholic Church says a fast is eating one full meal and two smaller meals on the day you fast.
There are some tricks that can help with fasting. First, eat a big meal the night before. Second, take a nap to shorten the day you fast. Third, there is no limit on how much water a person who is fasting, such as on Ash Wednesday, can drink. So, drink plenty of water. When you do get a chance to eat, make it a big meal. Though Catholics are also prohibited from eating meat on Ash Wednesday.
Other Ash Wednesday Occurrences
As mentioned, Ash Wednesday starts the period of Lent. Catholics are encouraged to give something up for Lent. It should be something they like and use daily. A popular thing to give up is dessert and sweets. Another idea is soda (if you are a soda drinker). Ash Wednesday marks the start of this Lenten period.
Jesus said that his followers should also give alms and pray during Lent. Giving alms means giving money to charity. Notably, Jesus said not to be like the hypocrites in he synaguoges who make a scene when they give money. Instead, he says, give money so that your left hand does not know what your right hand is doing. Jesus gives this guidance about prayer: pray in secret (Matthew 6:5–6), do not babble (Matthew 6:7), and pray the Our Father (Matthew 6:9–13). You could also pray the rosary and read the Bible.
Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras
One well-known cultural tradition tied to Ash Wednesday is Fat Tuesday and the Mardi Gras celebrations around the world, such as in New Orleans, LA. The basic idea is to celebrate and consume a great deal on the day before you fast. Some people use this as an excuse to celebrate. It should not be; instead, people should prepare.
Another tradition linked to Ash Wednesday is Fish Fries. As noted above, Catholics may not eat meat on that day (or any Friday during Lent). For this reason, you often see fish fries on Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent at churches and various community groups.
Parting Shots
The purpose of Ash Wednesday is to repent and to remind Catholic churchgoers of their mortality. This latter point is particularly helpful. Catholic guidance is that Catholics aged 18 to 59 should participate in the Ash Wednesday fast.
Disclaimer: This article contains a summary of the practices of Lent as well as interpretive insights from the author. Interpretations of church teachings can differ, and this piece represents one approach.
