March 6 marked Ash Wednesday, which means the start of Lent for Christians on Long Island and around the world.

Many Christians will get ashes in the form of a cross on their foreheads.

The ashes, which are made from palms burned on last year's Palm Sunday, symbolize repentance.

Lent is the 40 days before Easter, a period of atonement and reflection.

Pope Francis celebrated Ash Wednesday at one of the Seven Hills of Rome. He received his ashes at the Basilica of Saint Sabina.