Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Anglicans.
Catholics do.
Yes Ash Wednesday is mandatory for Catholics. It is considered to be a Holy day of Obligation!
Ashes.
Yes, with the exception of Ash Wednesday when meat may not be eaten.
On Ash Wednesday, Catholics would abstain from meat and fast. On Fridays, Catholics would abstain from meat.
No, because Ash Wednesday as we now know it did not exist then.
Lent always starts on ash Wednesday.
Lent is a time of public penance for Catholics. Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 should fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Catholics 14-years and older should not eat meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and every Friday during Lent.
Roman Catholics may not eat meat during a day of fast (Ash Wednesday, the Fridays of Lent, etc.) Otherwise, Catholics have no dietary restrictions.
Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
The Annunciation is a day of celebration and not a day of penance as are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.