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Ash Wednesday meaning

Ash Wednesday is about more than receiving ashes -- it's a day of penance and fasting.

It's Ash Wednesday, when the world's 1.2 billion Catholics and many other Christians begin Lent, the religious season that precedes Easter Sunday.

All across the world, people will receive the ashes as a symbol of grief and a sign of penance.

The ashes come from the past year's Palm Sunday service. Then a priest or minister christens them with holy water and uses incense to expose them to a distinguished scent.

As they're placed on the forehead, the minister often says: "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return," or "Repent and believe in the Gospel."

Overall Ash Wednesday is about more than just the ashes -- it's the beginning of a season of penance, reflecting and fasting.

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