'''Ash Wednesday''' is the first day of [[Lent]] as observed by [[Roman Catholic]] and some [[Protestantism|Protestant]] churches. Burnt palms from the previous year's [[Palm Sunday]] are blessed and then used to mark crosses on the foreheads of participants.
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Either of the following phrases are said when ashes are placed on the participant's forehead:
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* "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return."
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* "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel."
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==Origins==
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Ash Wednesday has been practiced since at least 1091, and there is evidence of similar rites as early as the sixth century AD.
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==See Also==
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* [[Fat Tuesday]]
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* [[Genesis]] 3:19
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==External links==
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* [http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0204.asp American Catholic - History of Ash Wednesday]
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* [http://www.history.com/minisites/easter/viewPage?pageId=685 History of Easter] From the History Channel.
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* [http://www.thercg.org/articles/ttmol.html The True Meaning of Lent] Discusses pagan roots of Lent and Easter. From an anti-Catholic perspective.