LENT / / 2022 / / ISSUE NUMBER 10
THE TRISAGION A JOINT NEWSLETTER OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCHES OF HUNTINGTON, WV
The Lenten Edition
Ashes to ashes and dust to dust Christians of many denominations around the world are familiar with Ash Wednesday and some variation of the words “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” But what is the origin of this tradition?
from palms used the previous year in the Palm Sunday procession. Then, while the faithful were singing the Seven Penitential Psalms, “the penitents were expelled from the holy place on account of their sins, just as Adam was driven out of paradise because of his disobedience.” They were not allowed to put off their penitential garb or to re-enter the Church before Holy Thursday after they had gained their reconciliation by toil and penance, and by sacramental confession and absolution.
In the early days, Lent began not with Ash Wednesday, but with “Sackcloth Wednesday.” Initially this ritual was much more involved and was reserved for “public sinners,” who were required to perform public penance so that they could be admitted back into communion.
Sackcloth is generally described as a piece of coarse fabric that originally was worn next to the skin, making it uncomfortable and somewhat painful to wear. Later on, this fabric was worn only on the outside of their clothing as a public but less painful sign of their repentance.
In imitation of the prophets of the Old Testament, these penitents wore sackcloth throughout the entirety of Lent, along with ashes on their heads. In these ancient rituals, those Christians who were guilty of grave faults had to undergo public penance. Accordingly on Ash Wednesday, the Bishop used to bless the sackcloth which was to be worn by the penitents during the holy Forty Days, and place upon their heads ashes made
Eventually the sackcloth was no longer used and ashes were formed into a cross on each person’s forehead, inviting everyone to make an effort during Lent to repent of their sins and recognize that it is only through God’s gracious gift of his Son that we are given everlasting life. 1