Many people will receive ashes today but may not know the history behind this sacred tradition. As we know, Ash Wednesday falls 46 days before Easter and sets aside a day for reflection, repentance and spiritual renewal.The trad ition of receiving ashes dates back more than 1,000 years. In the Bible, ashes were a symbol of mourning and humility. By the Middle Ages, Western churches formalized the practice, using ashes made from the previous year's Palm Sunday branches.As the ashes are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross, you'll often hear the words, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." This serves as a reminder of our mortality, humility, and humanity.Ash Wednesday also marks the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving observed by Christians in preparation for Easter."This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy."For the latest local news updates, click here, or download the KRIS 6 News App. Catch all the KRIS 6 News stories and more on our YouTube page. Subscribe today! ...read more read less