Ash Wednesday's changing tradition
Ash Wednesday is today. It marks the first day of Lent in Western churches. The ashes symbolize penance and the dust from which God made people. When priests mark Christian's forehead with the ashes they often say, "Repent and believe in the Gospel," or "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." Lent, which lasts 40 days not including Sundays, is a season of prayer, penance and fasting in preparation for the Easter season. But the tradition has changed throughout the years. It's less strict than it used to be. How the ashes are made Christians celebrate Palm Sunday as Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion. They hand out palm leaves to people who attend church and some palms are saved and burnt into ashes so it can be used for next year's Ash Wednesday. We are using this opportunity to wish our clients worldwide happy Ash Wednesday as they reflect on themselves.