"Ash" refers to an ancient Christian tradition of throwing ashes over your head to show repentance before God. In modern times, the ashes are usually marked on the worshipper's forehead and left until after sundown that day. A mixture of olive oil and palm ashes from the previous Palm Sunday's palm leaves are usually uses as the ashes.
Hope this help!
2007-02-16 16:26:18
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answer #1
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answered by AdventureMom 2
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The service draws on the ancient Biblical traditions of covering one's head with ashes, wearing sackcloth, and fasting.
In Ash Wednesday services churchgoers are marked on the forehead with a cross of ashes as a sign of penitence and mortality.
This is reflected in the formula that came to be associated with the distribution of ashes: "Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return."
The second formula (after Vatican II) is: "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel."
2007-02-16 16:28:43
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answer #2
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answered by irish1 6
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Ashes placed on the forehead (usually in the form of a cross) is to show repentance. Ashes are dirty. Jesus is clean. Cleansing the dirt (ashes) away with forgiveness.
2007-02-16 16:35:58
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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It comes from the custom of marking the foreheads of penitents with ash on that day ash being the powdery residue left after the burning of a substance.
2007-02-16 16:29:32
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answer #4
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answered by Stag S 5
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Ashes are a symbol of a broken and contrite heart. It is a sign of humility and the realization that we are totally dependent on God both in life and death.
2007-02-16 16:27:33
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answer #5
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answered by annettetyler77 3
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Good question, I would love to know, because I NEVER read the verse in the Bible.
You can smash ashes all over your head but it won't get you to heaven!
2007-02-16 16:26:42
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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It means you draw a cross on your forehead with ashes from a fireplace.
2007-02-16 16:24:40
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answer #7
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answered by ashcatash 5
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a religious symbol. check link:
http://www.cin.org/users/james/files/ash_wed.htm
2007-02-16 16:26:45
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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" Thou art dust, and dust thy shalt return".
2007-02-16 16:24:58
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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