Christians will observe Ash Wednesday on March 1, marking the first day of the season of Lent.
Services at churches will feature the application of a symbolic dash of ash made from burnt blessed palms, on the forehead of those who attend the service.
This is a mark of repentance, the core theme of the Lenten season of 40 days that symbolically marks the days leading to the condemnation, crucifixion and death of Jesus.
