Esther 4:1-3

1When Mordecai learned all that was done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city crying out in a loud and bitter voice.

2He went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one could enter the king’s gate clothed in sackcloth.

3In each and every province where the king’s edict and law came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many put on sackcloth and ashes.