The prior year's palms are burned and used for Ash Wednesday.   On Ash Wednesday, the ashes are blessed and imposed on the forehead with the sign of the cross.  Did you know?   The ashes serve as a dual purpose.   First, we are reminded of our mortality and humanity as we begin the Lenten Fast.   As the priest, deacon or minister puts ashes on our forehead they say, “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” (Mark 1:15).   Second, the ashes are a Biblical symbol of repentance, sorrow and humility.   There are many cases in the Scriptures of wearing ashes as a sign of penitence, often while wearing sackcloth.   Originally, Ash Wednesday was the day when public penitents in Rome began their penance. In the early Church, penance was often public.   It was only later that private confession and penance began.   When public penance gradually fell into disuse by the 8th century, Ash Wednesday became a day of penitence and fasting for all members of the Church.   Today, Ash Wednesday is a universal Fast Day in the Catholic Church.