Ash Wednesday
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Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent as observed by Roman Catholic and some Protestant churches. Burnt palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday are blessed and then used to mark crosses on the foreheads of participants.
Either of the following phrases are said when ashes are placed on the participant's forehead:
- "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return."
- "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel."
Origins
Ash Wednesday has been practiced since at least 1091, and there is evidence of similar rites as early as the sixth century AD.
See Also
External links
- American Catholic - History of Ash Wednesday
- History of Easter From the History Channel.