Just an FYI

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty days before Easter (not including Sundays). It falls on different dates from year to year, according to the date of Easter; it can occur as early as February 4 or as late as March 10.

At Masses and services of worship on this day, ashes are imposed on the foreheads (or tonsure spots, in the case of some clergy) of the faithful. The priest, minister, or in some cases officiating layperson marks the forehead of each participant with black ashes, in the shape of a cross, which the worshiper traditionally retains until washing it off after sundown. The symbolism echoes the ancient Near Eastern tradition of throwing ash over one's head signifying repentance before God (as related in the Bible). The priest or minister offers the worshiper an instruction while applying the ashes. These are three examples:

Remember, O man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.
– God, Genesis 3:19


Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.
– Jesus, Mark 1:15


Repent, and hear the good news.
– Jesus, Mark 1:15


The ashes used in the service of worship or Mass are sacramentals, not a sacrament. The ashes may be prepared by burning palm leaves from the previous year's Palm Sunday celebrations. They are blessed according to various rites proper to each liturgical tradition, sometimes involving the use of Holy Water.

In a nutshell: they're not merely smudges.



thanks for reading

eta:
link to wiki

Message edited 2/4/2008 5:05:56 PM.

Re: Just an FYI

thank you

Re: Just an FYI

I thought it was 40 days in the desert which ended on Palm Sunday.

Re: Just an FYI

Not smudges at all.....thank you for reminding us just how important they are

Re: Just an FYI

Great thread!

Re: Just an FYI

I actually never realized that it was in the shape of a cross, although I would never refer to them as "smudges". Thanks for the info!

Re: Just an FYI

Posted by Christine

I thought it was 40 days in the desert which ended on Palm Sunday.

Re: Just an FYI

Re: Just an FYI

Posted by Kierasmom

Posted by Christine

I thought it was 40 days in the desert which ended on Palm Sunday.

you are correct. It lasts until Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday until Easter is considered a Holy Week and thus is still considered part of lent.

Re: Just an FYI

Actually, the Sundays are not considered part of Lent. That's why you have dispensation on whatever you may give up for Lent on Sundays...EX: You give up meat for Lent, you can eat meat on Sundays.

Re: Just an FYI

thanks!
I always celebrated the Sundays as part of Lent...never had "off" those days!

Re: Just an FYI

That was very well said. I might copy some of that for my religion class.