The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

LENTEN CUSTOM

IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THERE IS A CUSTOM ON ASH WEDNESDAY IN WHICH
THE PEOPLE GO TO CHURCH AND RECEIVE ASHES ON THEIR FOREHEADS TO
REMIND THEM THAT THEY WERE ONCE DUST, AND SOMEDAY THEY WILL
RETURN TO DUST. ALSO, THIS REMINDS THEM TO BE PENITENT AND
HUMBLE DURING THE LENTEN SEASON, AND TO MAKE SACRIFICES.

Where learned: NEW YORK ; PORT CHESTER

Keyword(s): RELIGIOUS CUSTOM

Date learned: UNKNOWN