Q 01/05

Ash Wednesday marks the first day of which Christian season?

A) Epiphany

B) Advent

C) Lent

D) Eastertide

Answer · why

C) Lent

The season is a period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving before Easter.

Q 02/05

Which day immediately precedes Ash Wednesday?

A) Palm Sunday

B) Clean Monday

C) Shrove Tuesday

D) Maundy Thursday

Answer · why

C) Shrove Tuesday

It is also called Mardi Gras, Pancake Tuesday or Pancake Day.

Q 03/05

What are the ashes used on Ash Wednesday traditionally made from?

A) Wood from the old church altar cloth

B) Olive branches brought from Jerusalem

C) Burnt incense from the Easter Vigil

D) Palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday

Answer · why

D) Palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday

Churches often collect the old palms in a basket in the narthex before Lent.

Q 04/05

In what shape are the ashes usually marked on the forehead in English-speaking countries?

A) A cross

B) A dove

C) A crown of thorns

D) A circle

Answer · why

A) A cross

In Italy and many other countries the ashes are sprinkled on the crown of the head instead.

Q 05/05

Which words, based on Genesis 3:19, traditionally accompany the imposition of ashes?

A) Take up your cross daily and follow me to Jerusalem

B) Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return

C) This is my body, which is given for you, do this

D) Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, alleluia

Answer · why

B) Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return

The Latin is Memento, homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris.