The day preceding Ash Wednesday is called Shrove Tuesday.
Tuesday
Ash Wednesday precedes Lent in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, which is a period of fasting, repentance, and reflection for Christians leading up to Easter.
Ash Wednesday is the day that kicks off the start of Lent.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of lent - a period of 40 days before Easter (not including Sundays). Easter is always on a Sunday, and therefore Ash Wednesday is always on a Wednesday. In 2009 Ash Wednesday is on Wednesday 25th February.
Yes Ash Wednesday is mandatory for Catholics. It is considered to be a Holy day of Obligation!
Ash Wednesday
The 13th
It was Wednesday the 27th of February, 1952.
Ash Wednesday has not been stopped. It is the first day of Lent and is still observed throughout the world.
No ash Wednesday is not a day of feasting and merry making it is more of mourning and repenting.
It was a Wednesday-Ash Wednesday to be exact. And it was the day my son was born :)
The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is commonly referred to as "Fat Tuesday."