This year, the season of Lent begins on Feb. 18 and is known as Ash Wednesday. On this day, many people receive ashes and begin Lenten fasting practices. What was once only a practice of mainline Christians, predominantly Catholics, has become ever more popular throughout our culture.
The custom of being marked with ashes is rich in symbolism. A beautiful story that includes ashes and fasting is found in the Book of Esther in the Bible. One does not need to be religious to appreciate the deep symbolism and the beauty of Esther’s willingness to sacrifice herself for others.
At that time, Esther was an extremely beautiful Jewish girl under the care of her cousin Mordecai. Her cousin knew that her beauty could capture the attention of King Xerxes, so he set her up to be part of the king’s harem.
After months of preparing her skin and hair with aromatic oils, Esther was seen as the most beautiful woman in the land. Not knowing she was actually Jewish, the king chose her to be queen.
Troubles for her people ensued, as a court official detested the power Mordecai garnered. The official pronounced an edict that all the Jewish people are to be eradicated. The only hope for the people is for Esther to intercede. This could have possibly backfired and become her own death sentence.
Before Esther adorned herself with oils and perfume to address the king, she prepared with a time of prayer. Dressed in sackcloth and ashes, she asked all the people of faith to put on ashes and fast with her.
This period of fasting, while covered in ashes, was a means of getting God’s attention and begging for protection.
After this preparation, for the sake of all the people, Esther cleaned herself up and dared to break the law. At the risk of death, she went to court. The king eventually listened to her, and the people were saved.
The lesson in the book of Esther tells how the people fast and wear ashes as a form of prayer. They hoped that God would recognize their dedication and deliver them from peril. Under Esther’s leadership, the people survived.
The biblical model of fasting and wearing ashes as a form of prayer has attracted believers for millennia. Particular customs associated with Ash Wednesday date to the eighth century and stem from ancient Jewish practices of fasting and penance.
While Ash Wednesday is commonly recognized by Catholics, folks of various faiths participate. Even many with no faith association receive ashes during services.
At a writers conference, I was surprised by the number of writers who wanted more information about Ash Wednesday and Lenten customs for use in their works.
A growing number of people are attracted by the spiritual benefits of humbling oneself by being marked with ashes.
A prayer for Ash Wednesday is based on Genesis 3:19, “You are dust and to dust you shall return,” which is a reminder that our time on earth is limited. It is up to us to make the best use of our days, including repenting for things we have done wrong or failed to do.
Many folks practice some type of fasting during Lent. Like Jesus in the desert, they give up something for 40 days (Sundays excluded) as a means of spiritual growth. Many people refrain from a bad habit, such as smoking or eating candy.
Some people add other disciplines, such as a daily time of prayer or an exercise routine. Traditionally, giving alms to the poor is a Lenten practice. Whatever your personal beliefs, pause for a moment to reflect on how to best use your time on earth.
Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers “Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides” on CD for families to explore the Bible. Email her at jmiller@dospalos.org.
