Ash-Wednesday, the first day of Lent (q.v.), so called from the Catholic ceremony of strewing ashes on the head as a sign of penitence. This custom, probably introduced by Gregory the Great (590-604), was sanctioned by Pope Celestin III. in 1191, and afterwards generally prevailed. Before mass, the ashes are consecrated on the altar, sprinkled with holy water, and signed three times with the cross, while the priest recites the words, Memento quod cinis es, et in cinerem reverteris ('Remember that thou art dust, and into dust thou shalt return'). Next they are strewed on the heads of the officiating priests, the clergy, and the assembled people. The ashes are those of the palms consecrated on the preceding Palm Sunday (q.v.).—The Protestant Church in Germany does not celebrate Ash-Wednesday. In the Church of England it is observed, but without anything of the ceremony from which it derives its name; and the Commination (q.v.) is appointed to be read in the service for this day.