Dies cinerum

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

Memento homo, quia pulvis es  et in pulverem reverteris

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent:

Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we  worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness,  may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

And here we see the holy-day, as celebrated in the village of Heldra (in Hesse):

Our Lenten reflections  of seasons past  may be consulted  here.