On a more serious note, as many of the rituals, for lack of a better term- a term more reflective of their meaning and importance-Ash Wednesday is not only reflective of the forty days and nights that Jesus fasted before His ministry was to begin, it is the first day of serious penance. The Ninevites were doomed, but everyone, from the king on down, fasted, prayed, wore sackcloth and put ashes on their heads. Penance. Humility. And a reminder that they were mortal, and there was a Power greater than they Who didn't die as they did. (At least not until He gave His Only-Begotten Son.)
For such a great Gift, we, too must prepare: recalling our mortality; dying to ourselves by added fasting and prayer; persevering in sacrifice and added good works.
As Jesus prepared for His public ministry, we need to prepare for the celebration of His Resurrection. We must compassionate with His suffering Humanity; we must be worthy to receive the great Gift of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and the commemoration of the Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday- then Easter Sunday.
Holy Thursday is celebrated close to Passover, which Jesus, as a Jew, (who are NOT pagan) was celebrating at the time. The idea that such holy days are commemorated near the time of pagan days, thus counteracting their evil, well that's just gravy, and a slap in the face to the evil one!
May we have strength and humility to keep our Lenten resolutions! Let us also remember our Jewish roots and the trouble in the world right now for Jews and Christians alike, and keep them especially in prayer.
God bless you!
PS: That penance and change of heart saved the Ninevites from destruction.