ash wednesday

I like Ash Wednesday. I don't know why. I have never participated in the ash-getting as a non-Catholic so that's not why I like it.

In elementary school I was the only non-Catholic in my class in a Catholic school. Every Ash Wednesday, everyone had to get ashes. I almost got in trouble a few times because I didn't have any. The teacher would come up to me and say in an accusing voice, "Did you wash your ashes off??" And I would have to meekly squeak out, "I'm not Catholic!" My friends sported their charcoaly crosses on their foreheads all day and it was funny to see them looking so different.

It still is interesting. I mean, to walk through school all day and see so many people with black crosses drawn on their foreheads! One would never see such a sight on any usual day. But it is a special day where it is not only an accepted thing, but the thing to do, on Ash Wednesday. That's one reason why I like it.

Actually, I like the season of Lent. I really do. I don't consider myself Christian anymore, though I still respect the Christian faith and believe in some of its points (love thy neighbor as thyself). And I don't believe in making oneself suffer to come closer to salvation. I believe, for me, that instead of adding to the suffering in the world in even a tiny way, I should bring joy instead in every season.

But I like Lent. I like the textures and colors, purple drapes on the dark wood crosses. I like hoping and waiting for Easter Sunday, the most spring-y of spring days, airy and light with pastels and flying fabrics. Full of hope and joy. I still go to church on Easter, the only time of the year my mom and I go - to a tiny country church where my mom grew up where the minister (a woman) is so kindly and friendly to children and such.

I guess I like Lent because, to many, it is such an important time. I like that they see it as weighty, that people all over are observing it so fastidiously. Not my cup of tea, sacrifice and grey, but I would hate it if everyone else stopped observing Lent.