Teaching Children about Ash Wednesday and Lent

As we Christians enter the season of Lent, it’s common for kids to have questions about the practices associated with the season.

“Why do some Christians wear ashes on their forehead?”

“Where do the ashes come from?”

“Why don’t we sing Alleluia anymore?”

“Do I have to give something up?”

“Why do some people fast and eat special foods?”

Here is some information you may find helpful as you seek to provide your children with answers to their questions.

Significance of the Ashes & Where They Come From
Compared to the rest of the church year, Lent is a somber season during which Christians reflect upon both their sinful nature and their baptism. Ash Wednesday marks its start, and the ashes some Christians wear on their forehead are composed of burned palm leaves from the previous Palm Sunday.

The ashes are applied to the forehead in the shape of a cross as the words, “remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” are spoken. They serve as a symbol of mortality and repentance. The words, taken from Genesis 3, are the same words spoken to Adam in the Garden of Eden after the fall of man.

As we reflect upon our sin throughout the season of Lent, the ashes also serve as a reminder of our baptism. In the ancient church, baptisms often took place on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter). This date was considered a fitting time for baptisms because of the connection between Christ’s death and resurrection and the grace and promise of eternal life given to us at our baptism.

The Absence of “Alleluia”
Worship services often take on a more remorseful tone as we reflect upon our sin during Lent. The word “alleluia” is a jubilant term that means “praise the Lord.” Omitting it, and the “Hymn of Praise,” from Lenten services sets the season apart from the rest of the church year. The return of “alleluia” on Easter morning provides a powerful contrast between the season of reflection and the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord.

Fasting & Giving Things Up
As a form of repentance and remembrance, many Christians fast and/or give up luxurious items or activities during Lent. In an effort to draw themselves closer to God and dive deeper into the reflective nature of the season, many people also choose to add extra activities, such as devotions or additional times of prayer, to their day. Participation in such activities vary by denomination.