Ash Wednesday is an important observance within the Christian tradition, marking the beginning of Lent, a period of reflection and preparation leading up to Easter. While the focus of Ash Wednesday is on repentance and the recognition of human mortality, some argue that there are pagan elements present in the observance. One of the main arguments made is the use of ashes on the forehead during Ash Wednesday. Critics point out that similar practices involving the use of ashes can be found in various pagan religions throughout history. For example, ancient Egyptians used ashes as a symbol of purification, while ancient Greeks and Romans used them in funeral rites. The use of ashes in these pagan traditions is seen as a way to appease or connect with the gods, making it questionable when applied within the context of Christian worship.
“He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do. Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord’s house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz.” (Ezekiel 8:13-14)
This study does not surprise Bible readers, because they know Daniel s little horn, Paul s man of sin, and John s great whore and beast are prophecies of the popes and church of Rome and their wicked rebellion against God and His word Dan 7 1-28; II Thess 2 1-12; Rev 17 1-18. Abstaining from meat, which faithful Catholics do on Fridays, Ash Wednesday, December 7, and December 24, is a doctrine of the devil and proof of their apostasy from the Christian religion I Tim 4 1-3.
The use of ashes in these pagan traditions is seen as a way to appease or connect with the gods, making it questionable when applied within the context of Christian worship. Furthermore, the timing of Ash Wednesday is also seen as potentially influenced by pagan tradition. Ash Wednesday falls 46 days before Easter, with the length of Lent reflecting the 40 days of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness.
Are there any pagan elements in the observance of Ash Wednesday
In my tradition, we celebrated Ash Wednesday last night, February 1st. Kimberly Winston wrote the following about the origins of this ritual in the Huffington Post in an article entitled Ash Wednesday Explained: The Meaning Behind the Dust:
“There is no mention of Ash Wednesday in the Bible. But there is a tradition of donning ashes as a sign of penitence that predates Jesus. In the Old Testament, Job repents “in dust and ashes,” and there are other associations of ashes and repentance in Esther, Samuel, Isaiah and Jeremiah. By the 10th century, the monk Aelfric tied the practice, which dates to the eighth century, to the period before Easter, writing, ‘Now let us do this little at the beginning of our Lent that we strew ashes upon our heads to signify that we ought to repent of our sins during the Lenten fast.’ By the 11th century, the practice was widespread throughout the church — until Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, threw the practice out in the 16th century because it was not biblically based. There’s no Lent in the Bible, either, though many Christians see it as an imitation of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and battling with Satan in the desert.”
These days, a number of Christian denominations place ashes in the sign of the cross on the foreheads of worshippers including Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalians, United Methodists, Presbyterians, UCC and Moravians. Yet, in spite of its widespread use, I found plenty of Christian writers bashing the ritual because of its “pagan” origins.
So I did a little digging, and this is what I found:
- It appears that in ancient Nordic Pagan religion, ashes were placed above the brow to ensure the protection of the Norse God, Odin. The practice spread to Europe during the Viking conquests. It also appears that this ritual was done on a Wednesday, the day named for Odin, Odin’s Day.
- In Hinduism vibhuti, meaning “sacred ash,” place three horizontal lines across their foreheads and other body parts to please the god Shiva.
(If you have any further information and/or insight to share on this subject, please do so in the comment section. Thanks!)
There are a number of Christian blogs and web sites who bash the ritual of Ash Wednesday and warn people not to observe it because of it’s Pagan origins. If you’ve read my blog, you know I find this humorous because Christianity incorporated and adapted numerous beliefs and rituals from their Pagan brothers and sisters. Ashes are only the tip of a very large iceberg!
Personally, I love the ritual because it gives me a fresh perspective as I enter the season of Lent: “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” These are the words that accompany the ashes that are placed on foreheads in the sign of the cross. The words and ashes remind us that life is short and we should life it to the fullest. The cross reminds me of my connection to Jesus who calls me to live a life that is centered in love of the Divine, love of neighbor, and love of self. The cross also reminds me to consider what destructive patterns of living and thinking I need to let go of, in order that new ones can be nurtured in my life.
This year, as I received my ashes, I also thought of its connection with my Pagan friends who have also used ashes in ritual to remind them of their connection to the Divine. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
However, it is argued that the inclusion of six additional days is likely rooted in pagan customs. The ancient Romans celebrated a 40-day period of fasting and repentance known as "Quadragesima," which coincided with the arrival of spring. This association with the changing seasons and the renewal of the earth suggests a potential pagan influence on the timing of Ash Wednesday. Despite these arguments, it is important to consider the historical context in which Ash Wednesday emerged. The observance of Ash Wednesday can be traced back to the early Christian church, where it was used primarily as a way for those seeking reconciliation with the church to receive public penance. It was not until several centuries later that the use of ashes became a widespread practice. Additionally, the Christian interpretation of the use of ashes on Ash Wednesday is fundamentally different from pagan traditions. Christians view the ashes as a symbolic reminder of human mortality and sinfulness, emphasizing the need for repentance and renewal. Rather than using ashes to connect with or appease a higher power, Christians see them as a way to acknowledge their own shortcomings and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God. In conclusion, while some argue that there are pagan elements in the observance of Ash Wednesday, it is important to consider the historical context and the Christian interpretation of this practice. While similarities may exist between certain pagan traditions and the use of ashes or the timing of the observance, the underlying beliefs and purpose of Ash Wednesday in Christianity are distinct. The focus on repentance, reconciliation, and the acknowledgment of human mortality sets it apart from pagan practices that may superficially resemble it..
Reviews for "Ash Wednesday: Uncovering Its Pagan Origins"
1. John - 1 out of 5 stars
I was deeply disappointed to find out that there are pagan elements in the observance of Ash Wednesday. As a devout Christian, I believe that our faith should be based solely on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible. Incorporating pagan rituals into our religious practices is not only confusing but also goes against the core principles of Christianity. I expected more from the Church and I hope they reconsider the inclusion of these elements in the future.
2. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars
I have mixed feelings about the pagan elements in Ash Wednesday. On one hand, I understand the historical context and the evolution of religious practices. On the other hand, it feels conflicting to participate in a ritual that has pagan roots. I believe that as Christians, we should strive to separate ourselves from any practices that are not grounded in the true teachings of Christianity. While I appreciate the symbolism behind Ash Wednesday, the incorporation of pagan elements leaves me questioning its authenticity.
3. Michael - 1 out of 5 stars
The pagan elements in Ash Wednesday diminish the significance of this religious observance for me. It makes me question the sincerity of the Church and whether they are prioritizing tradition over true faith. I believe that our spiritual practices should be based solely on the teachings of the Bible and not mixed with any pagan elements. I hope the Church takes this feedback into consideration and reevaluates the inclusion of these elements in future observances.