Biblical: Lent

[LauraNicole]

I meant Matthew 6:16-18, in reference to people telling everyone what they were giving up for Lent.

When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Which doesn't have a reference to ash at all, like I previously thought. But I did find a commentary on it, which is probably where I got the idea of ashes from:

They disfigure their faces - That is, they do not anoint and wash themselves as usual: they are uncombed, filthy, squalid, and haggard. It is said that they were often in the habit of throwing ashes on their heads and faces; and this, mixing with their tears, served still further to disfigure their faces. So much pains will people take, and so much suffering will they undergo, and so much that is ridiculous will they assume, to impose on God and people. But they deceive neither. God sees through the flimsy veil. Human eyes can pierce a disguise so thin.

I didn't mean Ash Wednesday. But I didn't know much about Ash Wednesday growing up, so thank you for the information.