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February 14, 2024: Pink candies or ashes?
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February 7, 2024This year, Lent starts early – leading to a unique combination: the dates for Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day coincide, just as they did in 2018. Dark ashes, somber music, repentance, and pink roses and candies on the same day? That doesn’t go well together!
Ash Wednesday is one of the two yearly days of obligatory abstinence for Roman Catholics, which means that candy, a fancy dinner or a glass of champagne is not allowed.
Bishops could give a dispensation from fasting during Lent, which is sometimes granted if St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday in Lent. However, this is impossible for Ash Wednesday: the importance of the beginning of Lent trumps the tradition accompanying the commemoration of St. Valentine, the Patron Saint of engaged couples, happy marriages, and love in general. Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season that leads up to Easter and is one of the most important days in the Catholic calendar. As such, for Catholics, it’s always taken precedence over Valentine's Day.
“Following the instructions of the Holy See, we declare that the obligation both to fast and to abstain from meat, an obligation observed under a more strict formality by our fathers in the faith, still binds on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday,” the National Conference of Catholic Bishops decreed.
On Good Friday and Ash Wednesday, Catholics between 18 and 59 should only eat one full meal and take no solid food between meals.
So, what can you do to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day?
- Anticipate the big day – and take advantage of the weekend: do something special with your Valentine on Friday or Saturday!
- Do a Valentine’s Vigil: February 13 is Mardi Gras – the perfect occasion to indulge and eat heart-shaped candies before Lent starts.
- Invite your Valentine to the Ash Wednesday service or Mass together, then share a simple meatless meal. True love doesn’t need alcohol or sweets; it can be an occasion to share about your faith!
- Skip the chocolates, pink cookies, and fancy dinners this year! Buy roses, send a hand-written letter, or look for another small gift.
