Today thousands of Christians in Alabama and millions worldwide will observe Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, the penitential season leading up to the celebration of Easter on April 20.

Many Christians will line up in church and get a smudge on the forehead in the shape of a cross. Clergy applying the ashes traditionally quote Genesis: “You are dust and to dust you shall return,” a reminder of human mortality, or an alternative such as, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel.”

By confronting sin and death, Christians begin a journey of spiritual renewal.

On Ash Wednesday, many Christians fast and begin penance by giving up something for Lent. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the last day of indulgence allowed before the period of fasting and penitence.

Roman Catholic, Episcopal and many other liturgical churches hold services today that include the rubbing of ashes on the forehead, a sign of repentance for sins. Lent is a season of 40 days, not counting Sundays, in which the church traditionally has urged self-examination, penance and fasting.