— SACRED TIME —

Ash Wednesday

February 18 · Catholicism · Monotheisms

Moveable date

Esoteric and historical meaning

Start of Lent: liturgical memento mori. The ashes of the previous year's olive branches mark the forehead: what was triumph becomes dust.

Operative mechanics — ritual acts

·Imposition of ashes
·Fasting and abstinence
·Choosing a renunciation for forty days

Traditional foods

·Single meal without meat
·Legumes, bread

Offerings

·Alms corresponding to the food saved

Taboos to respect

·No meat
·No parties or loud music

Associated symbols

Ash · Cross on the forehead · Desert