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The Conversation USA

Why do Christians wear ashes on Ash Wednesday?

  • Written by Michael Laver, Department Chair, Associate professor, Rochester Institute of Technology
Worshippers at Ash Wednesday mass.AP Photo/Alan Diaz

This coming Wednesday many Christians will arrive at work with a black cross smudged on their foreheads; countless more will slip into a church or a chapel during their lunch break or after work to receive the sign that tells the arrival of Ash Wednesday, the traditional start of the Christian...

Read more: Why do Christians wear ashes on Ash Wednesday?

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