Ash Wednesday Activities and Crafts for Children

Ash Wednesday is the first day of lent in the Catholic religion. It is celebrated through fasting and the imposition of ashes upon the forehead. While taking your child to mass on Ash Wednesday is important, children may not understand what the significance of the ashes is. And, children, of course, are not required or encouraged to fast. So, how can you help your child understand the significance of this day? How can your child truly show their faith on this day? Here are six activities and crafts to help you celebrate with your child on Ash Wednesday.

Cross Crafts - Using Popsicle sticks or cardboard, fashion a cross. Allow your child to decorate the cross with glitter and paints. Display this cross as a reminder of their savior. You can also draw pictures of crosses and color pictures of Jesus for the same effect.

40 Days in the Desert - Discuss and read scripture to your child concerning Jesus' 40 days in the desert. Draw pictures of deserts and camels. Make a collage of desert images and use glue and sand to make it three dimensional. Post these pictures and collages where your child can see them and you can discuss how hard it must have been to be without food and water during this time.

Repentance Box - Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance. Encourage your child to acknowledge their sins throughout the year and repent. You can help them decorate a box with glitter and paint. Write down your sins and place them in the box on Ash Wednesday and throughout the season of lent. This allows your child, and you, to acknowledge their sins.

Meal Planning - Since lent is a time of abstinence and meat is not eaten on Fridays or holy days during this time, use Ash Wednesday as a time to plan meatless meals. Ask your child to help you think of meals that they would like to eat that have no meat. Include them in the planning and write down their menus on the calendar.

Fasting for Kids - While no child should truly fast on Ash Wednesday, it would not hurt them to give up a favorite food. Encourage your child to think about what they will be giving up for lent ahead of time. Discuss why we fast and why we give up things for lent.

Pretzels and Hot Cross Buns - Pretzels and Hot Cross Buns are both traditional foods for Ash Wednesday and any day during lent. Find simple and easy recipes for soft pretzels and buns, then have your child help you bake these foods for Ash Wednesday. Discuss their significance and symbolism.