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Christians practice Lenten traditions
Believers spend 40 days fasting, praying and reflecting on their lives
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Palm leaves from last year’s Palm Sunday service are burned to create the ashes for Ash Wednesday. Grace Episcopal Church in Gainesville uses dry ashes while other churches use a little oil with the ashes.
Growing up in the United Methodist church, Nancy Page always knew about Lent but rarely observed the reflective Christian season. Her sister, on the other hand, always participated in a unique way. “My sister thought you should do something for someone,” the Gainesville woman said, noting the common practice of Lent involved giving up something for 40 days.