Yesterday, people all over the world went to their local church and observe a tradition known as Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection on Easter Sunday. It is widely observed by Catholics and many Protestants also partake in this tradition. But where did Ash Wednesday come from and why do we practice it? The Origins of Ash Wednesday Before we talk about the origins o…