Some of you have been asking me for more info about Ash Wednesday. As I was researching, I ran across this web articled by former pastor, Mark D. Roberts. It is excellent and worth passing on.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/series/ash-wednesday-practice-and-meaning/
I also found an excellent shorter article with more historical details by a Lutheran writer, Richard P. Bucher
http://www.orlutheran.com/html/ash.html