Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and repentance leading up to Easter Sunday. During Lent, many Christians give up certain indulgences like sweets, junk food, or meat as a form of sacrifice and spiritual discipline. This leads to the common question: Can you eat snacks on Ash Wednesday?
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Western Christian calendar. It occurs 46 days before Easter Sunday, fluctuating between February 4th and March 10th depending on the date of Easter that year. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics ages 18 to 59.
On Ash Wednesday, Catholics attend Mass and have ashes rubbed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. The ashes symbolize repentance and mourning for sins. The priest says “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel” as the ashes are applied.
Why Do Catholics Fast on Ash Wednesday?
Fasting on Ash Wednesday is a way for Catholics to focus their hearts and minds on repentance and reflection during the Lenten season. By giving up food and drink for a period of time, they can discipline their bodies and appetites. This allows them to deepen their faith and relationship with God.
According to the Catholic Church, fasting on Ash Wednesday involves eating only one full meal for the day. Two smaller meals may also be eaten, but together they should not equal a full meal. No food should be consumed in between meals, just liquids such as water, coffee, tea or juice. The fasting applies to all Catholics between the ages of 18-59.
Rules for Fasting and Abstinence
In addition to Ash Wednesday, Catholics also fast and abstain from meat on Good Friday and all Fridays during Lent. Here are the official rules for fasting and abstinence during Lent:
- Fasting applies to those ages 18 to 59. It means eating only one full meal per day, and two smaller meals that together do not exceed the full meal.
- Abstinence from meat applies to those age 14 and older. It applies on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays during Lent.
- The Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence from meat, not full days of fasting.
- The substantial meals for fasting days should not include expensive foods or drinks like steak, lobster, or alcohol.
- Those with medical conditions or special circumstances are not obligated to fast, but should perform some other sacrifice or act of charity.
Are Snacks Allowed on Ash Wednesday?
So can you eat snacks like chips, cookies or candy on Ash Wednesday? Unfortunately snacks do not qualify for the smaller meals permitted when fasting. The Church asks Catholics to keep their two smaller meals simple, not elaborate. Snacks and desserts are seen as self-indulgent extras that go against the spirit of fasting.
Many Catholics choose to give up sweets or junk food specifically for Lent. Even if you are permitting yourself two small meals, Church guidelines advise eating simple, healthy foods. The purpose of fasting is self-denial and restraint, so snacks are not appropriate on fast days.
Examples of Appropriate Fasting Meals
- Scrambled eggs and toast
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
- Salad with chicken or fish
- Rice and beans
- Vegetable soup and crackers
As you can see, simple foods in small portions are recommended for Ash Wednesday and other fast days. Snack foods like chips, cookies, candy and soda are not appropriate on these days.
What About Kids and the Elderly?
Children under the age of 14, the elderly over 59, pregnant and nursing women, and those with health conditions requiring food intake are exempt from fasting and abstinence. However, they are encouraged to choose other sacrifices and acts of charity in keeping with the spirit of Lent.
Children and seniors who wish to fast should only do so under medical supervision. Those with medical conditions requiring food or drink at certain times of day should follow doctor’s orders and are not obligated to fast.
Other Foods to Abstain From
In addition to abstaining from meat on Lenten Fridays, some Catholics choose to give up other indulgences as well. Here are some foods Catholics may abstain from outside of the set fasting days:
- Sweets like candy, cookies, sodas, milkshakes
- Alcohol
- Caffeine like coffee, energy drinks
- Dairy products
- Rich, luxurious foods
Giving up these items can be a sacrifice reminding Catholics to be mindful and temperate. However, the Church only officially requires abstinence from meat on applicable days.
Other Questions About Lenten Fasting
Does fasting apply to all meals and snacks?
Fasting means having only one full meal, with two smaller meals that don’t equal a full meal. Snacks are not permitted on fast days.
Are beverages allowed during fasting?
Yes, water, tea, coffee, juice and other zero-calorie beverages are permitted on fast days. Avoid milkshakes, sugary coffee drinks and sodas.
What about condiments and salad dressings?
Small amounts of condiments like butter, salad dressing and sauces can be used to flavor foods on fast days. Just be mindful not to overdo it.
Can you have dessert on Ash Wednesday?
It’s best to avoid desserts like cake, cookies, candy and ice cream on Ash Wednesday and Lenten fast days. These are seen as self-indulgent extras.
Purpose of Lenten Fasting
Fasting during Lent has several purposes:
- Penance and remembrance of Christ’s sacrifices
- Self-discipline and simplicity
- Spiritual reflection and growth
- Greater appreciation for God’s gifts of food and drink
- Charity and empathy for those less fortunate
By giving up indulgences and pleasures, even temporarily, Catholics can gain perspective and turn their focus more fully to God. Fasting is ultimately about growing in holiness, not just following rules.
Ways to Observe Lent Besides Fasting
Those who are exempt from fasting can still honor the spirit of Lent through other sacrifices:
- Increasing prayer time
- Reading spiritual books
- Volunteering or giving to charity
- Giving up luxury items
- Limiting screen time
- Reconciling with others
- Practicing extra acts of kindness
In the end, Lent is a time for examining your heart, repenting, and growing closer to God. Fasting and sacrifice are important spiritual tools, but increasing love for God and neighbor is the greatest goal.
Conclusion
On Ash Wednesday and Lenten Fridays, snacks should be avoided along with full meals. Only one main meal and two smaller meals are permitted on fasting days. The purpose is self-denial and turning from earthly indulgences. Children, seniors and those with medical conditions may substitute other sacrifices. Lent is ultimately about spiritual growth through prayer, charity and loving others.
