Why are Palm Sunday leaves used for Ash Wednesday ashes?

Palm Sunday leaves, typically palm fronds, are used for Ash Wednesday ashes because they are blessed during the Palm Sunday service and then saved until the following year. Burning these fronds creates the ashes used for Ash Wednesday, symbolizing the cycle of life and death within the Christian tradition. This practice connects the celebration of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem with the somber reflection of Lent, emphasizing themes of repentance and humility.