“Remember That Thou Art Dust and Unto Dust Thou Shalt Return” (Genesis 3:19)

Liberal Arts Blog: Tuesday is the Joy of Literature, Language, Culture, and Religion Day

Did you notice the dark cruciform smudges on the foreheads of some students and faculty last Wednesday? This is part of the Ash Wednesday ritual of Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and several other Christian denominations. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of repentance that precedes the Easter celebration. The ashes are a reminder that “Thou Art Dust and Unto Dust Thou Shalt Return.” What are the most comparable rituals from other religions? What are the closest secular analogs? Experts — please chime in.

Correct, elaborate, elucidate.

THE ASHES ARE FROM BURNING THE PALM LEAVES OF THE PRIOR YEAR’S PALM SUNDAY

1. While non-Catholics are not technically permitted to take part in Holy Communion at Sunday mass, they are allowed to get ashes on Ash Wednesday.

2. In general, the ashes are kept on the forehead for the entire day, although this is not required.

3. The ashes may be mixed with “holy water or olive oil as a fixative.”

THE PRECEDENTS FOR THE FORTY DAYS OF PENANCE AND FASTING

1. Jesus fasted for forty days in the desert (Matthew 4:1–2; Mark 1:12–13, Luke 4:1–2).

2. Moses spent forty days on Mt. Sinai with God (Exodus 24:18)

3. Elijah spent forty days walking to Mt. Horeb (1 Kings 19:8)

NB: It rained for 40 days during the Great Flood (Genesis 7:4)

VEILING STATUES, OMITTING THE GLORIA AND HALLELUJAH, STATIONS OF THE CROSS

1. In some cities and countries, statues are veiled during Lent.

2. Also often the upbeat Gloria and Allelujah are omitted from services.

3. As a child, my favorite part of the Lenten ritual was the “Stations of the Cross.”

This involved stopping for a prayer at each of fourteen images spaced around the periphery of the nave — each depicting an event in Christ’s last hours on earth — from his condemnation to his crucifixion and entombment.