Christians observed Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, a tradition shared by Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics and others. Ashes represent a token of penitence and mortality. According to canonical gospels, Jesus Christ spent 40 days fasting in the desert, where he endured temptation by Satan. Lent acknowledges that belief, including a fasting of 40 days in preparation for Easter. Here, Larry Fritzinger of Coaldale is administered ashes by the Rev. John Frink of St. John XXIII Parish in Tamaqua, formerly the Church of St. Jerome. Waiting in queue is Cynthia Leidinger Klein of Tamaqua. DONALD R. SERFASS/TIMES NEWS