Italian American Herald - February 2020

LOCAL
Time running out
to see history exhibit in New Castle
PAGE 3
ACHIEVER
Champion lifter ready for different kind of bench
PAGE 5
VINI D’ITALIA
Lambrusco renaissance explained
PAGE 12 FEBRUARY 2020
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The faithful prepare to walk the Via Crucis in Rome on Good Friday.
Quaresima and Easter: Sacred and festive customs
By Jeanne Outlaw-Cannavo
The 40th day “Quaresima” translates in English to Lent and is the time when Catholics begin the fast before the holy celebration of Easter. It starts on Ash Wednesday, which actually takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and is chiefly
observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it as well. Ash Wednesday is the day after Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday or Martedì Grasso. This is the last day for exuberant festivities and it marks the end of the Carnevale season in Italy. Ash Wednesday, or Mercoledì delle Ceneri, marks
the beginning of Lenten fasting.
One of the better-known traditions
during Lent is Meatless Fridays, when many Catholics refrain from eating meat on those days until Easter arrives. According to the Bible, Jesus Christ died on Friday, so on Lent Friday, people commemorate this death by
not eating meat. However, fish and dairy products are allowed.
Ash Wednesday traditions are believed to come from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes marking one’s forehead with ashes. They
continued on page 4
Days of Lent are among the holiest on the Catholic calendar
Vol. 7 / No. 2