The smearing of ashes on the forehead (in a cross pattern) was a physical sign of repentance before fasting days which culminate in the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ on Easter. This tradition carried forward from the Roman Catholic Church but is also honored throughout many Protestant Christian churches as well.
The smearing of ashes on the forehead (in a cross pattern) was a physical sign of repentance before fasting days which culminate in the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ on Easter. This tradition carried forward from the Roman Catholic Church but is also honored throughout many Protestant Christian churches as well.