Ash Wednesday happens 46 days just before Easter Sunday, and it is mainly observed by most Catholics, although there are some Christians that observe it too. It came from the early Jewish custom of fasting and penance. The exercises include the bearing of ashes on the forehead. The ashes represent the dust from where God has created us. As the priest spread on the ashes to the individuals’ forehead, he will tell the words: "Recall that you came from dust, and to that dust you must return." On the other hand, the priest may talk, "Repent and have faith in the Gospel."
It is very vital to recall that Ash Wednesday is the day of fasting and penitential prayer. Some devotees take the remaining days being off from work and just stay at home. It is usually unsuitable to shop, to dine out, or to go around in public just after receiving ashes. Extravagant meal is highly not encouraged. Small kids, the sick and the elderly are exempted from this observance.
The ashes are created from the sacred palms applied during Palm Sunday commemoration of the earlier years. The ashes were baptized with the Holy Water and were scented with an exposure to incense. Since the ashes symbolized contrition and penance, they were also the token that God is merciful and gracious to those that calls on Him with penitent hearts. The Divine mercy is the most important during Lenten season, and the Catholic Church calls for us to look for that mercy during that entire Lenten week season with prayer, reflection, and penance.
The writings from Second-century Catholic Church call the bearing of ashes as the symbol of penance. Ashes also represent grief, and in this matter, grief that caused division and have us sinned from God. Priests give out ashes during the Mass and everyone is invited to take the ashes as an obvious symbol of penance. The non-Christians and also the excommunicated Catholics are still welcome to take the ashes.
Priest applying the ashes
It is not necessary that the person must bear the ashes for the whole day, and they can even wash it off right after the Mass. But, it has the habits of people to keep the ashes until the evening. Lately, arrangements have arises that include pastors handing out the ashes to passersby even in public places. This is not believed to be taboo, but Catholics must be aware that this practice is clearly Protestant. Catholics must receive ashes that are within the context of the Mass. In most cases, ashes can be delivered by a family member or a priest to those that are sick or were shut-in.