The use of ashes as a sign of mortality and repentance has a long history in Jewish and
Christian worship, and the Imposition of Ashes can be a powerful nonverbal and experiential
way of participating in the call to repentance and reconciliation. This practice is the historic
focus of Ash Wednesday observance and gave the day its name. It is traditional to save the
palm branches from the previous Passion/Palm Sunday service and burn them ahead of time to
produce the ashes for this service.