The Start of Lent - Recognition & Return Exhibit at ECVA

Today, Ash Wednesday, in Christian churches, is the first day of the penitential season of Lent.

On Ash Wednesday Christians have a smudge of ashes placed on their foreheads as a sign of penitence. The ashes are obtained from palm branches that were distributed the previous year on Palm Sunday, they are burned and blessed for use on Ash Wednesday.

Why we receive the ashes ...
In the ancient time people who did penance often did penance in "sackcloth and ashes". Christians have ashes placed on their forehead in the sign of the cross to show a spirit of humility and sacrifice. The ashes remind us of our mortality on Earth, and that Redemption is with Our Lord.

"Remember, you are dust, and unto dust you shall return"

This custom is from an old ceremony. Christians who had committed grave faults were obliged to do public penance. On Ash Wednesday the Bishop blessed the hair shirts which they were to wear during the forty days, and sprinkled over them ashes made from the palms from the previous year. Then, while the faithful recited the Seven Penitential Psalms, the penitents were turned out of the holy place because of their sins, as Adam, the first man was turned out of paradise on account of his disobedience. They did not enter the Church again until Maundy Thursday after having won reconciliation by the toil of forty days' penance and sacramental absolution.
Later on, it then became a custom that all Christians, either public or secret penitents, came, out of devotion, to receive ashes.

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Starting today, The Episcopal Church and Visual Arts exhibit "Recognition & Return" is being featured at their website.
There is also a wonderful Lenten Meditation booklet you can download featuring art and reflections from some of the artists in this latest exhibit.





I am excited and honored that one of my assemblages, (Even the Stones Will Cry Out), is featured in the online exhibit there too. Check out ALL the wonderful and varied art, along with the reflections on each piece... great meditations for Lent!