On Ash Wednesday the Church of England reads the Commination, the curses against impenitent sinners, with the people answering Amen to each. Many people stayed away from church that day, believing that to say Amen was to curse their neighbours. Brand dismissed this as superstition left over from popery, but Hone thought plenty of sensible people disliked the service for good Christian reasons.
Staying Away from the Commination
Ash Wednesday
Lore and belief
Many who consider this as cursing their neighbours, keep away from church on the occasion
From Hone's Every-Day Book, vol. 1, col. 262. Read the original
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