This ceremony is relatively brief, but has rich symbolism that is sometimes forgotten.įirst of all, the ashes used are typically created at the parish church through the burning of palm branches. Ashes have a long tradition in the Catholic Church, finding its roots in the Old Testament.Īsh Wednesday in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church is focused, not surprisingly, on the imposition of ashes on all the faithful who attend Mass or a prayer service.
