Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, an important time for Christians leading up to Easter. Here's what to know.

This year, the spring equinox is March 20, and the first full moon following it is on April 12, making Easter April 20. 46 days before April 20 is March 5, making that date Ash Wednesday for 2025. Maria Francis of USA Today contributed to this report.

This is just the beginning of the 46 days until Easter Sunday. As the holy days fall on a different date each year, here are the important dates for this year's holy season. Ash Wednesday, also known as the Day of Ashes,

Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. This year, Easter is Sunday, April 20.