On the eve of Ash Wednesday, Guatemalan Catholics prepare for the beginning of Lentwhich in turn is the prelude to the Easter week. These commemorations evoke the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, from a Catholic vision.
The characteristic ritual of the Ash Wednesday It is the Imposition of the Cross on the forehead. This act represents human mortality, but also symbolizes penance and humility.
According to various Catholic sources, The finite condition of the human being was reflected in two biblical passages alluding to this celebration: “God formed man with dust of earth” (Genesis 2,7); “Until you returned to earth, because you were done” (Genesis 3,19).
Upon receiving the imposition of the ash, the deacon or priest usually pronounces words similar to these biblical passages: You are dust and you will return to dust.
What does the imposition of the cross mean on the forehead during Ash Wednesday?
In the first centuries of Christianity, if a member of the community committed a serious sin, he had to attend the prison assembly of the Ash Wednesdaywhere a special suit was given with a rough sayal that had to dress throughout the Lentaccording to the portal From faithcited by the archbishopric of Guatemala.
When this happenedash spilled on his headan act that represented the sadness for the sins committed. Although initially the ceremony was reserved for those who requested reconciliation, the practice extended to the entire community, the Catholic sources mentioned.
In this way, the three most representative customs of this commemoration emerged: fasting, abstinence and the cross of ashes.
Where do the ashes used for the imposition of the cross come from?
During the Palm SundayIt is customary to use twigs made with Palma Real during the procession of that day. According to historian Alejandro Cóbar, this practice evokes the biblical passage where Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is mentioned, when he was received with Palmas.
According to the historian, these palms are blessed at the Mass of the Palm Sunday. When fulfilling its function, They are collected to burn and be used on Ash Wednesday of the following year.