Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned. In the liturgical practice of some churches, the ashes are mixed with the sacred oils used to anoint those about to be baptised, though some churches use ordinary oil.
This paste is used by the minister who presides at the service to make the sign of the cross, first upon his or her own forehead and then on those of congregants.
The minister recites the words:
"Remember (O man) that you are dust, and to dust you shall return", or "Repent, and believe the Gospel."
4 comments:
Yawn. What silly nonsense isn't it?
This is 2010
Not silly at all.
We, from lower Protestant circles ought to appreciate its significance.
Mr. Morton, what are you giving up for Lent?
I am going to try to give up FEAR for Lent
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