“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
These ancient words, spoken as ashes are pressed onto foreheads in the sign of the cross, have echoed through churches for over a thousand years. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent — the 40-day journey of preparation before Easter.
But in an age of self-help and positive thinking, why would anyone want a reminder of their own mortality?
Perhaps because it’s exactly what we need.
What Is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, falling 46 days before Easter Sunday. The name comes from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of believers as a sign of mourning, repentance, and mortality.
The day is observed by Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and many other Christian traditions. In recent years, even some evangelical and non-denominational churches have adopted the practice.
Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and repentance — a sacred pause before the Lenten journey begins in earnest.
Where Do the Ashes Come From?
The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are typically made from burned palm branches — the same palms waved during the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration.
There’s profound symbolism in this. The palms that welcomed Jesus as King are reduced to ashes that remind us of death. The crowds who shouted “Hosanna!” would soon cry “Crucify him!” Our moments of triumph and praise are fragile. Everything we build eventually crumbles.
The palms are burned, mixed with a small amount of oil or water, and applied to the forehead in the shape of a cross.
“Remember That You Are Dust”
The words spoken during the imposition of ashes come from Genesis 3:19, when God tells Adam after the Fall: “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Some churches use an alternative phrase: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” — echoing Jesus’ words at the beginning of his public ministry.
Both phrases cut through the noise of daily life. They strip away pretence and remind us of fundamental truths we spend most of our time avoiding:
We are mortal. We are sinners. We need God.
Why Embrace a Reminder of Death?
Modern culture runs from death. We hide aging, avoid funerals, and speak of the deceased as having “passed” rather than died. We live as if we’ll live forever — and make decisions accordingly.
Ash Wednesday pushes back.
The ashes don’t exist to depress us. They exist to focus us. When you remember that your time is limited, you start asking better questions: What actually matters? How should I spend my days? Am I living for things that will last?
The medieval monks had a phrase for this: memento mori — “remember that you will die.” It wasn’t morbid pessimism. It was clarity.
Knowing you will die helps you truly live.
The Beginning of a Journey
Ash Wednesday isn’t meant to stand alone. It’s the gateway to Lent — 40 days of intentional spiritual focus modelled on Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the wilderness.
The traditional Lenten disciplines are fasting, prayer, and almsgiving (charitable giving). Many Christians give up something for Lent — food, social media, entertainment — as a form of spiritual discipline. Others take something on: daily Scripture reading, acts of service, or reconciliation with estranged relationships.
The goal isn’t spiritual achievement. It’s spiritual preparation. Lent strips away distractions so we can approach the cross of Good Friday and the empty tomb of Easter with undivided hearts.
Ashes in Public
One striking aspect of Ash Wednesday is its visibility. Unlike most spiritual practices, the ashes are worn publicly — on the train, in the office, at the shops.
Jesus warned against practicing righteousness “to be seen by others” (Matthew 6:1). So isn’t wearing ashes in public a contradiction?
Not necessarily. The ashes aren’t a badge of spiritual superiority. They’re a mark of humility — a public confession that you are dust, a sinner, in need of grace. There’s nothing impressive about admitting you need God.
If anything, the visible ashes serve as a witness. In a world that worships youth, success, and self-sufficiency, a smudge of ash on the forehead quietly declares: “I am mortal. I am broken. And I’m not ashamed to admit it.”
How to Observe Ash Wednesday
If you’re new to Ash Wednesday, here are practical ways to observe it:
Attend a service. Many churches hold Ash Wednesday services in the morning, at lunchtime, and in the evening to accommodate different schedules. The imposition of ashes is typically part of a brief liturgy including Scripture readings, prayers of confession, and sometimes Communion.
Fast. Traditional Ash Wednesday fasting involves eating only one full meal and two smaller meals that together don’t equal the main meal. Many Christians also abstain from meat. The point isn’t the specific rules but the practice of saying “no” to your body’s demands as a way of saying “yes” to God.
Reflect. Use the day to examine your life honestly. Where have you fallen short? What needs to change? Confession — whether to God in private prayer or to a priest or pastor — is central to Ash Wednesday’s purpose.
Give. Almsgiving is one of the three Lenten disciplines. Ash Wednesday is a fitting day to begin — to redirect resources from yourself toward those in need.
The Ashes and the Empty Tomb
Ash Wednesday makes no sense without Easter.
If death were the final word, the ashes would simply be depressing. But Christians don’t observe Lent as hopeless mourners. We observe it as people who know how the story ends.
Yes, you are dust. Yes, you will die. But death is not the end.
The same Jesus who calls us to repentance also conquered the grave. The ashes point forward to the empty tomb. The acknowledgement of death gives way to the celebration of resurrection.
Ash Wednesday says: “You are dust.”
Easter replies: “But dust that will rise.”
A Prayer for Ash Wednesday
Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the 40-day period of preparation before Easter. It’s marked by the imposition of ashes on the forehead in the shape of a cross, accompanied by words reminding believers of their mortality and need for repentance.
Why do Christians put ashes on their foreheads?
The ashes symbolise mourning, repentance, and human mortality. They remind believers that they are dust and will return to dust, while also marking the beginning of a season of spiritual reflection and preparation for Easter.
Where do the ashes come from?
The ashes are typically made from palm branches blessed during the previous year’s Palm Sunday. The palms are burned and mixed with a small amount of oil or water before being applied to foreheads.
What words are spoken when ashes are applied?
The most common phrases are “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (from Genesis 3:19) or “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (from Mark 1:15).
Which churches observe Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is observed by Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and many other liturgical traditions. Increasingly, evangelical and non-denominational churches also observe it.
Is Ash Wednesday a holy day of obligation?
For Catholics, Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation (meaning Mass attendance isn’t required), but it is a day of fasting and abstinence. Practices vary among other denominations.
How do you fast on Ash Wednesday?
Traditional fasting involves one full meal and two smaller meals that together don’t equal the main meal. Many Christians also abstain from meat. The specifics matter less than the spiritual discipline of self-denial.
Can you wash off the ashes?
There’s no rule requiring you to keep the ashes on all day. Some people leave them visible as a witness; others wash them off after the service. The choice is personal.
What is the connection between Ash Wednesday and Lent?
Ash Wednesday begins Lent — the 40-day season of fasting, prayer, and preparation leading to Easter. It sets the tone for the entire Lenten journey by focusing on repentance and mortality.
Do Protestants observe Ash Wednesday?
Many do. While Ash Wednesday has historically been associated with Catholic and liturgical Protestant traditions, increasing numbers of evangelical and non-denominational churches have adopted the practice in recent years.
Closing Verse:
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. — Joel 2:12-13 (ESV)