Ash Wednesday, Valentine's Day are crossing paths. Here's what you need to know

Greg Giesen, Delaware News Journal
·2 min read
Sherry Tyzinski and Mandy Neil receives ashes from Monsignor Gerald Ritchie during a mass celebrating Ash Wednesday on Mar. 2, 2022 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Harborcreek Township. Ash Wednesday is a Christian holiday that marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer and reflection that ends on Easter Sunday.

Two Catholic holidays will cross paths this year, and it may cause some problems for those in the mood for love.

Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday fall on Feb. 14 this year, which means Catholics might want to reschedule those romantic dinner plans.

What is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday begins the liturgical season of Lent for many Christian faiths. Lent is a period of atonement for sins. Catholics celebrate the day by attending Mass and receiving ashes on their forehead. Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 fast on Ash Wednesday, eating only one full meal and two smaller meals. The two smaller meals are not equal to the full meal. In addition, Catholics over the age of 14 abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday.

What is Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day, according to the Library of Congress, is a day when Americans celebrate love and friendship. It finds its origins from the Romans who celebrated the feast of Lupercalia - a spring festival on Feb. 15. It was Christianized and moved to Feb. 14 to honor a martyr named St. Valentine.

In modern times, the day is a romantic holiday where cards are exchanged, and gifts like chocolates and flowers are given.

What other days can you celebrate Valentine's Day?

For Catholics who are observing the Ash Wednesday fast and abstaining from meat, there are other days available to celebrate the holiday. There is National Hug Day on Feb. 12, which is also Abraham Lincoln's birthday; National Kiss Day on Feb. 13, which is also Mardi Gras and Self-Love Day; National Random Acts of Kindness Day on Feb. 17; or National Drink Wine Day on Feb. 18.

One last hint, avoid the Sunday before Valentine's Day – that's Super Bowl Sunday.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Ash Wednesday, Valentine's Day are crossing paths. What to know

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