What is Ash Wednesday?

Updated February 10 2016 - 5:13am, first published 4:55am
A nun places the sign of the cross sign on on a child's head in Manila, the Philippines.  Photo: Aaron Favila
A nun places the sign of the cross sign on on a child's head in Manila, the Philippines. Photo: Aaron Favila
The symbol of Ash Wednesday. Photo: Steven Siewert
The symbol of Ash Wednesday. Photo: Steven Siewert

Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, is literally marked on the forehead of observant Christians.