Orthodox Christians the world over begin the Lenten season this Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40- day period of fasting and abstinence leading to the Holy Week and Easter Sunday.
It is also known as the Day of the Ashes because on that day the Faithful have their foreheads marked with the ashes in the shape of a Cross
Usually, the Priest applying the ashes on the forehead of the faithful reminds them that ” Thou at dust and unto dust thou shall return”
Using ashes as a sign of repentance is an ancient practice dating back to the Old Testament, early christians adopted the use of ashes from the Jewish practice as external mark of penitence.
Also read: Rising Insecurity: Clerics call on Christians to seek the face of God
Ash Wednesday derived it’s name from the practice of placing ashes on the forehead of the adherents as a sign of mourning and repentance. The ashes are gathered after the Palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday are burned.
The concept of Ash Wednesday was originated by the Roman Catholic in the sixteenth century. Though the exact date was not clear but the custom of marking the forehead with ash was said to have originated during the Papacy of Gregory the Great between 590 and 604 era.
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe
