popes and all faithful started to receive the ashes as a sincere and external token that we are all poor sinners.Īshes remind us of the curse from Genesis. In early Christian centuries the imposition of ashes was only used for public sinners, but around the year 1000 A.D. The practice of sprinkling ashes on one's head as a sign of penance was customary even in the Old Testament-in the Book of Esther, Mordecai put on sackcloth and ashes (Est 4:1) Job sat in sackcloth and ashes to repent (Job 42:6) all of Ninevah put on sackcloth and ashes to repent after Jonah's preaching (Jon 3:5-6).

The imposition of ashes is also a symbol of penance and sorrow for our sins. Ashes are a symbol of this passing world, a reminder of our death. Our bodies were made from nothing, and will return to nothing when we die. 'Then the Lord God formed man out of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being' (Gen 2:7). This is a vivid reminder of our mortal nature. The ashes are made by burning the previous year's blessed palms. So says the priest as he makes the sign of cross with ashes on our foreheads.

'Remember, man, you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.' The significance of ashes that are imposed on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday.Īsh Wednesday opens up this season of penitence.

Ashes for imposition