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February 17, 2021 marks Ash Wednesday in Christianity. For those who do not observe the holiday, it might seem early this year. In fact, each year Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is always 46 days before Easter Sunday. Lent is marked by repentance, fasting, reflection, and ultimately celebration. The 40-day period represents Christ’s time of temptation in the wilderness, where he fasted and where Satan tempted him. Lent asks believers to set aside a time each year for similar fasting, marking an intentional season of focus on Christ’s life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection.

Not all Christian's celebrate Ash Wednesday and Lent. But Christians throughout the world celebrate Easter each year. Unlike Christmas but like Ash Wednesday, Easter's date changes each year.  According to a Fourth Century ruling, the date of Easter is set for the first Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon, which is the first full Moon of Spring, occurring on or shortly after the Spring Equinox. March 22 is the earliest Easter can occur on any given year, and April 25 is the latest. If that first spring full Moon occurs on a Sunday, then Easter will be observed on the following Sunday.