Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent. Wearing ashes are an old tradition. The ashes usually come from the palms used on Palm Sunday.

During the Ash Wednesday Mass, the priest places ashes on the middle of the forehead. Ashes are an ancient symbol meaning repentance. We repent for our sins. Having ashes reminds us that we need to apologize to God for sinning. We should all attend the Sacrament of Penance - Reconciliation during the season of Lent.

Another reason for the ashes is to remind us that one day we are going to die. Our physical bodies will turn to dust, however, our souls will return to God. The ashes are a physical reminder that what we do now matters. We will not be on Earth forever, but our souls never die. Having ashes on Ash Wednesday shows we have a deeper understanding of God and the season of Lent.