Ash Wednesday Traditions

And so Lent begins ...

If you follow my blog, then you know that seasons and traditions are a big part of my family's life. We honor and celebrate seasons (both natural and liturgical) and we include traditions (big and small) in our everyday life. Today being Ash Wednesday, we welcomed the season of Lent.

We received ashes at very early Mass, and then at home we made some ashes of our own. We just burned one of last year's palms (from Palm Sunday) until we had ash. 

This sparked lots of good questions (a little impromptu science lesson in fact), and just for the record, I kept a very close eye on this and only I handled the matches. Also, I kept a cup of water within reach, and the windows were open to air out the room.

Next I cleared off the nature shelf and set up a simple Lent corner:

Here I have a jug filled with barren branches - but I added no water, lest they bloom too soon. I also set our Lent binder here, as well as a planter pot full of dirt (with a pinch of the palm ash), our rice bowl and a plain beeswax candle. The cross hanging on the wall is made of simple grapevine.

This is pretty much how this space will look all throughout Lent ... though the cross will start to "sprout" little bits of greenery (silk ivy leaves) as we move closer to Easter. On Palm Sunday we'll plant seed in the pot and I'll add water to the jug (with fresh branches if need be). During Holy Week we'll work on "dressing up" the candle for our Easter table.

And on Easter morning there will (hopefully) be blooms on the branches and new growth in the pot ... the candle will be gilded and the cross will look something like it does in this post. But as for the tradition of the "missing alleluia" well, this year it went well and truly missing on me! 

Lol, I can't find that pretty little plaque anywhere, so I had to make up something else on the spot. I grabbed a plain cross shaped box from my craft supplies and I photocopied a page from one of the boys' song books.

I cut out the "alleluia" and placed it inside the box ...

Secured it all with twine ...

And we "buried" it in the back of a file folder drawer.

We do this because we do not say (or sing) "alleluia" at Mass until Lent is over. When we "resurrect" this tiny package on Easter morning, we'll find it all sparkly and fine, inside and out.

:)

I also packed away the Winter books this morning, and set up EB's corner with good seasonal reads:

On the sill, and in the basket ...

(I'll update my sidebar booklists asap!)

Here's a craft basket I put together last weekend, filled with materials for making various projects throughout Lent ...

... and here's the last section of our Lent binder: the "Stations of the Cross."

For this project I used 4x6 prints purchased from CHC several years ago, and I printed out station passages found at Domestic-Church.com. I adhered the images and words to folded ivory copy paper and fitted the pages inside sheet protectors. I really like how it came out, and my hope is that we'll take time each Friday afternoon to sit down and do the stations together.

*†*

And so Lent begins ...

A quiet and still season ... a time when we patiently await signs of new life. The journey can seem long, but these little traditions remind us where we're going, and keep us together on the path.

While we make fond family memories along the way!

❤

Well, have a great day, my friends ... and thanks so much for stopping by. I'm going to sign off for now, but I will see you here again very soon...

Comments

[Susannah]

What wonderful traditions! I've really enjoyed looking up the different stations and information today :] I never knew just how fascinating it all is!

Thank you for sharing!

[Denise]

Now, surely, Miss Dawn, you knew someone would ask about your Lenten binder!! Do you have a post started with that, or perhaps a previous post about that? I am a Christ-follower and immerse myself in the Lenten practices, however, I have no Catholic background, so I try to glean ANY information I can - and you are ALWAYS a wealth of information for me!!!! I will peruse the website you mentioned. I thank you for your sharing your Inspiration!! Denise

[Dawn]

Thank you for these kind comments, everyone! Blessings to you as we begin Lent!

~ Dawn

p.s. Kristie ~ You may certainly email me. My address is drhanigan AT comcast DOT net. :)

[Helene]

The willow branch cross is especially pretty with that wall color behind it.

[Holly Schaad]

Dawn, as always I am most impressed. Check out "Lent and Easter in the Domestic Church Activities to Celebrate Catholic Liturgical Seasons" by Catherine and Peter Fournier.....I especially liked "The Lenten Cross" on page 8. I have it all ready except I needed more laminating pouches. It'd look great in your big windows!

[Katie]

Carolyn, above, said what I was also thinking so well. I find your posts so restful and inspirational! We also have that grapevine cross, thank you for the reminder to bring it out.

[Caroline Haydu]

Dawn, your Lenten traditions are just lovely! Have a blessed and holy Lent!

[Jenny]

I enjoyed reading about your family's Lenten traditions. I especially like how you've incorporated the symbolism of nature with faith. We just set up our nature table to reflect the season. I have four little boys and really wanted to have them involved so I'm adding a project that will involve dirt, rocks, and some greenery by Palm Sunday. I too look forward to seeing what projects come out of your basket. Blessings, Jenny

[Penny]

Absolutely lovely. :)

[Carolyn]

I really admire the way you live so purposefully. You must be greatly organized but at the same time mindful of the days and seasons and all the wonderful ways to celebrate them. As many of us get caught up the things that distract us from being with and for family, you seem to be right there with ways to connect every member of your family to what is important on the right day! I enjoy reading your blog each day as it has helped me become just a bit more purposeful as well.

[Kristie]

Oh, Dawn, everything you do is amazing! I can't wait to see what you do with all that craft product!!! We are having a wonderfully beautiful day here today, sunny and warm, and very spring like. We'll head to Mass tonight, and I'm praying that my kids behave as I'll be by myself!
I was wondering if I could email you? I have some questions about your homeschooling, in particular the Oak Meadow Kindergarten, and how it is working for you.
I really want to homeschool, but am terrified!!! =) It is such a nice lifestyle, though, and I really think it is best for our family.
Blessings to you!!!