Ash Wednesday
The first day of Lent is known as Ash Wednesday. Ashes are what remain when something is burned. Christians use them as a symbol of being sorry for things they have done wrong and want to leave behind. In many Christian churches there are special services where the vicar or priest makes the shape of a cross with ash on each person’s forehead. The ashes come from the previous year’s palm crosses, which are burned and mixed with holy water.
Mothering Sunday comes midway through Lent, on its fourth Sunday.
