Ashes are a sign of physical death, as in 'ashes to ashes, dust to dust.' We began as dust and our bodies will return to dust. By receiving ashes and keeping them on, we publicly proclaim our intent to die to our worldly desires and live even more in Christ's image, which we focus on during the season of 'rebirth' that is Lent (a Latin term for 'Spring').
Rise from the ashes as in repent:
In Old Testament times people used ashes as a sign of repentance. They would sit in ashes, roll around in them, sprinkle them upon their heads, or even mix them with their food and drink. They did this as an outward sign of their inward posture of repentance.
Remember that it was also a traditional sign of mourning, as in sackcloth and ashes. Not only does it represent repentance, but a period of (symbolic) mourning for Christ.
Remember that it was also a traditional sign of mourning, as in sackcloth and ashes. Not only does it represent repentance, but a period of (symbolic) mourning for Christ.
Good points. Ashes have a rich symbolic tradition of spiritual meaning and significance.
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