Why do some Christians put an ashy blob on their foreheads at Easter? How/when did this start?

Answer 1

The cross placed on the heads of penitents on Ash Wednesday is a sign of penitence. It derives from the Old Testament custom of wearing sackcloth and rubbing one's face with ashes as a symbol of repentence for sin.

Answer 2

During Roman Catholic church rites on Ash Wednesday the worshiper receives a cross marked on the forehead with the ashes obtained by burning the palms used on the previous Palm Sunday. Worship services are also held on Ash Wednesday in the Anglican, Lutheran, and some other Protestant churches. Eastern Orthodox churches begin Lent on a Monday and therefore do not observe Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, usually lasting 40 days when devout Christians remember the fasting and prayer by Jesus in the desert before his death by crucifixion.

Answer 3

Catholics put ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross to signify our morality- the priest, deacon or layperson distributing the ashes says "from dust you have come and to dust you shall return." The ashes are from the palms from the previous Palm Sunday when Jesus rode into Jerusalem which marked the beginning of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Hope this helps. I would read the Catechism of the Catholic Church if you want to know more.

Answer 4

On Ash Wednesday, a cross is made on the forehead from the ash made from the palms used the previous Palm Sunday.

Answer 5

I don't think people do this on Easter. Many Catholics get ashes on their foreheads for Ash Wednesday.

Answer 6

Those are Muslim's that put ashes on their forehead not Christians. Every one has a different way of displaying their ways of belief. This is just their way. It has been done since the beginning of the Muslim religion.

Answer 7

Catholics mostly.