What is the meaning behind it and how long are the ashes supposed to stay on your head? Last year a guy came to work with ashes on his head and a lot of us didn't understand why. Some people even told him he had dirt on his head. Are you supposed to keep the ashes on you while you're at work, or does that matter?
2007-03-30 09:42:27 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To piss off Ted Turner.
2007-03-30 09:45:55 · answer #1 · answered by jinxmchue001 3 · 0⤊ 6⤋
On Ash Wednesday (the start of Lent) they put ashes on their head because from dirt we were made and to dirt we will return. This is a reminder and we wear the ashes for as long as we want that day some wear them all day long.
2007-03-30 09:51:11 · answer #2 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not only Catholics do this. I'm Catholic, but have many Episcopalian and other Protestant friends who do it, as well. The ritual is done on Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the penitential season of Lent. The ashes are usually made from burned palm leaves from the previous year's Palm Sunday. The imposition of ashes reminds us that we are dust, and to dust we shall return. I wash the ashes off before doing a work shift, personally.
2007-03-30 09:47:52 · answer #3 · answered by solarius 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
From Wikipedia:
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).
And a reminder that we came from dust, and dust we shall return.
2007-03-30 09:50:11 · answer #4 · answered by Sweetest2 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Traditionally, ashes are left in place until after sundown (which in jewish terms would be the end of Ash Wednesday). There are a number of references in the OT to using ashes as a sign of penitence (Job 42:3-6 for example).
Some christian churches hold that Matthew 6:16-18 (where Jesus says do not disfigure your face when fasting) means that the practice is incorrect. Others, besides just the catholics, continue the practice. Like many things that christians believe, the bible can be used to make a case either way.
2007-03-30 09:47:44 · answer #5 · answered by Dave P 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Ashes are an ancient symbol meaning repentance. Catholics repent for our sins. Having ashes reminds us that we need to apologize to God for sinning. Many Catholics attend Sacrament of Reconciliation during the season of Lent.
Another reason for the ashes is to remind us that one day we are going to die. Our physical bodies will turn to dust, however, our souls will return to God. The ashes are a physical reminder that what how we live our life matters. We will not be on Earth forever, but our souls never die.
Some people leave them there all day and that is a personal choice.
Cheers
2007-03-30 09:47:42 · answer #6 · answered by chekeir 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The priest or minister 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.
2007-03-30 09:48:20 · answer #7 · answered by MR 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We mark our heads with ashes on Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, the forty days that precede Easter. The ashes signify our mortality, and remind us that one day we will meet God to Whom we must make an accounting of our lives.
Usually, the Ashes wear off after a day.
2007-03-30 09:47:07 · answer #8 · answered by Jack Chedeville 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, this day called Ash Wednesday is a day where you repent and make a sacrifice for the four weeks of Easter. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, which is a 40 day time period where we prepare for the Resurrection of Christ.
2007-03-30 09:47:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
lower back in Christs day whilst a guy or woman became grieving they placed on sackcloth and ashes. Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent whilst Catholics renowned their sinful natures, grieve, and sacrifice as an illustration of atonement. of direction now its purely yet another ritual yet whilst it first all started ppl quite felt that way.
2016-12-15 12:28:26 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure where you are getting your information from, but I have quite a few Catholic friends, and not one of them has ever told me about putting ashes onto their heads. I have never seem them do that either, which leaves me wondering if that guy you know was trying to start a new trend, or just going crazy?
2007-03-30 09:52:36 · answer #11 · answered by Lief Tanner 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋