On Ash Wednesday, many Christians observe the tradition of placing ashes in a cross on the forehead, which may be accompanied by the words “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” or ...

The distribution of ashes and recitation of the phrase "remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return" serves as a reminder of humankind's mortality and the need to reconcile with God.

An alternative formula states: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”It is easy to see why Christians gather in their thousands for this ritual, which marks the beginning ...