This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

For many believers, Ash Wednesday marks — quite literally — the start of Christianity's holiest season.

It falls on the seventh Wednesday before Easter and kicks off Lent.

Many followers — including Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Episcopalians and Lutherans — put ashes on their foreheads as an outward symbol of their penitence.

This year, Western and Eastern Orthodox Christians will celebrate Easter on the same day: April 16.