LI's faithful mark the start of Lent
The faithful across Long Island marked the start of Lent Wednesday with Ash Wednesday, the traditional 40-day period of atonement and sacrifice.
In a centuries-old ritual, ash is rubbed on worshippers' forehead in the shape of a cross as a sign of penance.
Ash Wednesday is a religious holiday celebrated by Roman Catholics as well as some other Christian denominations.
The ashes typically come from the burning of palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday.
The Lenten period ends in the celebration of Easter -- which this year is Sunday, April 8. Easter is the day Christians believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
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Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
