“It’s not just about inclusion and tolerance. Like ashes for Christians, it is a conspicuous symbol of one’s identity, and she sees that as an appropriate parallel to draw on Ash Wednesday. Wearing glitter is about more than celebration for the gay community, Edman said. “I didn’t want to do something that could be interpreted as frivolous and disrespectful,” Edman said, though she understands not everyone will embrace the idea. As of last weekend, at least 139 orders had been shipped, Edman said, including to several Episcopal priests around the country. Parity has been distributing ashes mixed with purple glitter for free to any clergy member or lay person who requests them for use this Ash Wednesday, March 1. The concept behind Glitter Ash Wednesday is exactly as it sounds. This Ash Wednesday, with the help of an ecumenical faith-based LGBT advocacy group called Parity, she is starting what she hopes will become an annual tradition for Christians who support gay, lesbian and transgender rights. Elizabeth Edman, an Episcopal priest in the New York City area, saw as an opportunity to convey additional meaning. It is the conspicuousness of the ashes that the Rev. Signifying mortality and repentance, they are a visible sign to the world on Ash Wednesday that a believer is preparing for the season of Lent. Ashes on the forehead are arguably the most conspicuous mark of a Christian during the year. Photo: Glitter+Ash Wednesday via Facebook

Glitter ashes for Glitter+Ash Wednesday have a distinctly different look than traditional ashes used to remind people about their mortality on the first day of Lent.

Imposition of ashes meaning