Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day, which marks the beginning of Lent. It derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of believers as a sign of repentance. However, some scholars have suggested that the origins of Ash Wednesday can be traced back to pre-Christian pagan rituals. In ancient times, many pagan societies had rituals that involved the use of ashes. For example, in Roman and Greek mythology, ashes were seen as purifying elements that cleansed individuals of their sins and impurities. These societies believed that by applying ashes to their bodies, they were able to cleanse themselves and gain favor with their deities.
Theo waited for someone to mention his doves, but his hopes were interrupted by the unmistakable sound of someone clapping.
The soul contains the memories, mind, and Magic Circuits of a person, and it uses the person s body as an anchor to the World to keep from being dispersed and returning to Akasha. The musician was a boy dressed in a tuxedo, who had gathered with his friends at the gazebo in the town green to practice for the upcoming Mineral Wells talent show.
These societies believed that by applying ashes to their bodies, they were able to cleanse themselves and gain favor with their deities. Similarly, in the ancient Near East, there were rituals that involved the use of ashes as a symbol of mourning and repentance. People would cover themselves in ashes and wear sackcloth as a sign of sorrow and contrition.
Home Buyers Say This Is Their Magic Mortgage Rate
The interest rate on a 30-year loan has averaged above 7% for four consecutive weeks. It’ll have to come down significantly for most prospective buyers to return to the market, a new survey shows.
© Sergey_Nivens - iStock/Getty Images PlusThe magic number for home buyers may be 5.5%.
That’s the mortgage rate threshold at which many would-be buyers would jump back into the market, according to a survey from John Burns Research and Consulting. Seventy-one percent of prospective home buyers say they won’t accept a rate on a 30-year mortgage above 5.5%, the survey shows. But it may be a while before rates fall to that point. While the interest rate on the 30-year loan eased to 7.12% this week, it has averaged above 7% for four consecutive weeks, Freddie Mac reports.
Higher rates are having a so-called “golden handcuff effect,” discouraging homeowners who locked in low rates a few years ago from selling. This has created an inventory logjam in the housing market. Nearly 82% of home buyers say they feel “locked in” by their existing low-rate mortgage, according to a separate survey from realtor.com®.
The inventory crisis, however, has fueled housing competition in spite of higher mortgage rates. Thirty-five percent of homes are fetching more than their asking price due to a limited number of homes on the market, says Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®. The typical seller is still receiving three offers on their property.
“The economy remains buoyant, which is encouraging for consumers,” adds Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “But while inflation has decelerated, firmer economic data have put upward pressure on mortgage rates, which, in the face of affordability challenges, are straining potential home buyers.”
Buyers are being forced to revisit what they can afford. At this week’s 7.12% mortgage rate, a loan for a typical single-family existing home costs $2,221 a month and $1,926 a month for condo buyers, Lautz says. The mortgage payment for a $400,000 home today compared to a year ago is about $259 more per month, Lautz says.
Freddie Mac reports the following nationwide averages with mortgage rates for the week ending Sept. 7:
- 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 7.12%, dropping from last week’s 7.18% average. A year ago, 30-year rates averaged 5.89%.
- 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 6.52%, falling from last week’s 6.55% average. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 5.16%.
“I apologize,” Theo answered, his cheeks flushing. “My mind wandered.”
This practice was believed to help individuals express their remorse and seek forgiveness from their gods. When Christianity began to spread, it often incorporated elements of the cultures it encountered in order to make the faith more accessible to converts. Many church historians believe that the early Christians adopted the use of ashes as a way to both accommodate and transform these pre-existing pagan practices. By using ashes on Ash Wednesday, Christians symbolically acknowledge their own mortality and sinfulness. The ashes are usually made by burning the palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday, which further connects the moment to the cycle of the liturgical year. While it is unclear exactly when the use of ashes on Ash Wednesday became a widespread practice within Christianity, it is evident that it has deep roots in earlier pagan traditions. However, over time, the meaning and significance of the ritual have evolved within the Christian context. Despite its possible pagan origin, Ash Wednesday holds great importance for Christians today. It serves as a solemn reminder of the need for repentance and the desire for spiritual renewal. Through the act of receiving ashes, believers demonstrate their commitment to seeking forgiveness and turning away from their sinful ways, ultimately preparing themselves for the Lenten season and the celebration of Easter..
Reviews for "Unearthing the Pagan Origins of Ash Wednesday: Shedding Light on a Christian Tradition"
1. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Ash Wednesday: Pagan Origin". I was expecting a well-researched and informative book about the history of Ash Wednesday, but instead, I found it to be filled with baseless claims and conspiracy theories. The author's arguments lacked strong evidence and seemed more like personal opinions. Overall, I would not recommend this book for anyone seeking factual information about Ash Wednesday's origins.
2. John - 2/5 stars - "Ash Wednesday: Pagan Origin" could have been an interesting read, but I found it to be poorly written and confusing. The author jumped from one topic to another without proper transitions, making it difficult to follow the narrative. Additionally, some of the arguments presented in the book seemed far-fetched and lacked convincing evidence. While the book had potential, it fell short in delivering a cohesive and well-supported exploration of Ash Wednesday's pagan origins.
3. Megan - 2/5 stars - I picked up "Ash Wednesday: Pagan Origin" hoping to learn more about the possible connections between Ash Wednesday and ancient pagan rituals. Unfortunately, this book failed to provide a satisfactory analysis. The author's arguments were weak and lacked scholarly support. I was left feeling unsatisfied and still uncertain about the true origins of Ash Wednesday. I would recommend seeking other sources for a more objective and well-researched examination of the topic.