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With the start of the new year, the Lenten season is approaching. With upcoming holy seasons, many people confirm if any days within the Lenten season are declared holidays.
Ash Wednesday or Miyerkules ng Abo signifies the beginning of Lent Season in the Philippines, a country that has Roman Catholicism as the dominant religion.
Lent, also known as kwaresma, is the season recalling Jesus Christ’s passion for us through his suffering, death, and resurrection.
While Ash Wednesday is acknowledged as an important religious observance, it is not declared a regular or special holiday in the Philippines.
As of 2025, the officially declared holidays of the lent season are:
Regular Holiday
- April 17, 2025 – Maundy Thursday
- April 18, 2025 – Good Friday
Special Non-Working Days
April 19, 2025 – Black Saturday
Despite not being declared a holiday, Ash Wednesday is a holy day practiced by devout Catholics for important reasons.
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Why is Ash Wednesday Deemed Important?
Ash Wednesday is a holy day preceded by Shrove Thursday, and is practiced in many Western Christian and Catholic religions. It marks the first day of Lent, or the Lenten season, which lasts for six weeks before being followed by Easter.
The term “Lenten Season” derives its name from “lent,” signifying the lengthening of days during the springtime.
Ash Wednesday is widely recognized for its observance of ashes and fasting. On this holy day, priests apply ashes on individuals’ foreheads to cross as a custom. The ashes come from the burnt remains of the blessed palm branches used on the previous year’s Palm Sunday.
The palm branches are collected and burned down into powdered ashes annually. The ashes are mixed with holy water to create the paste.
During the Ash Wednesday service, the priest’s application of ashes is accompanied by the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This phrase, echoing Genesis 3:19, highlights the Christian belief in human mortality and the importance of seeking repentance.
The ashes themselves, and the day as a whole, serve as a reminder of our finite existence and our need for forgiveness.
What Do Filipinos Do Under Ash Wednesday?
As a Catholic nation, most Filipinos follow Ash Wednesday’s practices. On that day, Catholic and Christian Filipinos will visit any church, where the priests bless each participant by placing ash in the shape of a cross on their forehead.
In fact, Ash Wednesday is considered to be a time of repentance and contemplation. After receiving the ash cross, many Filipinos also practice fasting, prayers, and abstinence. Some will also practice certain dietary restrictions throughout the Lenten season.
When is Ash Wednesday in 2024?
Ash Wednesday falls on March 5, 2025, starting the Len Season this year. The date for the holy event changes annually to meet the changing date of Easter.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding or relating to Ash Wednesday and Lenten Season in general.
How many days in Lent 2024?
The Lent, or the Lenten Season, is specified to be a 40-day long period of prayer and fasting. Additionally, the conclusion of the 40-day season will lead up to Easter Sunday.
As with Ash Wednesday, it is only partially set on a permanent date in a year. The days are set depending on the set date of Ash Wednesday each year.
What is the theme of Lent 2024?
The Lenten season focuses on three major themes: prayer, fasting, and charity. The prayers during the Lenten season generally focus on asking for God’s forgiveness.
Fasting revolves around giving up something that is a regular part of our daily lives, and the act of charity focuses on doing something good for others.
When is the Lent season in 2025?
Lent is a six-week period that would lead up to Easter upon its conclusion.
The first week will start on Ash Wednesday on March 5, 2025, and will end either on the date of Maundy Thursday (April 17) or Holy Saturday (April 2019).
Once it starts, the Lent season will last six weeks/40 days, with Sundays being excluded. This season lasted 40 days due to the synonymous significance of the number of days and nights Jesus fasted and prayed in the desert.
Closing Thoughts
Despite not being an official holiday, many Filipinos observe Ash Wednesday with traditional practices, adjusting their schedules to attend Mass and participate in religious activities. This dedication highlights the enduring importance and religious significance of the day.
Also Read: Is Chinese New Year a Philippine holiday?
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