The first known reference to the imposition of ashes at the beginning of Lent is from Ælfric of Eynsham, an English abbot.  He mentions ashes “strewn on the head.”  This was in about 1000 A.D.  Ælfric was the most prolific of the writers who wrote in Old English; and he was the first to translate the Old Testament into Old English.  In addition, his translation of the Latin was not word for word, but a translation that would have been more easily understood by the average person who might read or hear the scripture.  This was in distinct contrast of the belief of the day when it was believed that not only the word of scripture was sacred, but also the order of the words.

                Ash Wednesday is always 46 days before Easter. Easter is determined as the Sunday following the first full moon that happens on or after the March equinox.  Lent is 40 days long, not including Sundays. According to the calendar, that means the season is 46 days long overall.  Fasting and/or abstinence is practiced during Lent (a season of repentance); but since Sundays are in observance of the Resurrection and are considered feast days, fasting and abstinence are not observed.