Ash Wednesday
February 17, 2021
Even before Christianity swept through the Roman Empire, the roots of Ash Wednesday were present. Roman generals would be honored after military victories with “triumphs,” which were a combination parade/religious ceremony. But a slave would ride alongside the general, whispering in his ear, “Remember you are mortal” to keep his ego in check. You can read more in Tertullian’s Apology, chapter 33: http://www.logoslibrary.org/tertullian/apology/33.html