Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer and fasting leading up to Easter. The ashes symbolize repentance, grief, and humility. Meaning of Ash Wednesday

• Repentance: Christians receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads as a symbol of repentance and a
  commitment to God.
• Grief: The ashes symbolize grief from sin and division from God. Humility: The ashes help Christians develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.
  Meaning of Lent
• Mourning: Lent is a time to mourn and grieve loss and death.
• Confession: Lent is a time for confession and turning around.
• Renewal: Lent is a time to cleanse souls and renew faith as Christians prepare for the resurrection of Jesus on Easter
  Sunday.