I am a Catholic
and sometimes it is
nice to go over the
meaning of some our
major practices.
According to Google
here are the reasons
why we celebrate Ash
Wednesday.
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Key reasons
for celebration:
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Beginning of
Lent:
It kicks off
the penitential
season leading up to
Easter, a time for
self-discipline,
charity, and
reflection.
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Symbol of
mortality:
The ashes, often made from last year's Palm Sunday palms, signify our physical frailty and return to dust.
Sign of repentance:
Wearing the ashes is an ancient sign of mourning for sins and a commitment to turn back to God.
Spiritual renewal: It's a call to spiritual cleansing, with many giving up comforts or taking on new spiritual practices for the 40 days, mirroring Jesus' 40 days in the desert.
Traditions:
Imposition of Ashes:
Priests or ministers mark foreheads with a cross of ashes, often saying, "Repent, and believe in the Gospel" or "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return".
Fasting & Abstinence:
Many Christians fast, abstain from meat, and give up luxuries during Lent, with Ash Wednesday being a strict observance.
Biblical roots:
The practice draws from Old Testament customs and the 40 days of rain in Noah's flood, connecting to themes of judgment and new beginnings.
According to
Google, Friday the
13th is a widely
recognized Western
superstition
symbolizing bad
luck, primarily
rooted in Christian
tradition (13 guests
at the Last Supper,
Crucifixion on a
Friday) and Norse
mythology. It is
believed to bring
misfortune, leading
to
"triskaidekaphobia"
(fear of the number
13).
Key Origins and Beliefs:
Biblical/Christian Roots: The 13th guest at the Last Supper was Judas, who betrayed Jesus, followed by Jesus's crucifixion on a Friday.
Norse Mythology: Loki, the trickster god, appeared as the 13th guest at a Valhalla banquet, bringing chaos.
Knights Templar: On Friday, October 13, 1307, King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest and torture of thousands of Knights Templar, cementing the date's negative reputation.
Cultural Significance: In many cultures, 12 is seen as a complete number (12 months, 12 zodiac signs), making 13 an unsettling disruption.
Modern Interpretations: While largely considered a superstition, some studies have inaccurately suggested increased accident rates, while others find people are simply more cautious. The day is also sometimes viewed by modern practitioners as a time for, or, to embrace the divine feminine and transformation.
Which event is your
favorite during the
winter Olympics?
I love them
all but my favorites
are the skiing and
skating. It is
pretty cool that for
the first time there
is a women's
Luge.Woohoo!
