
There is no requirement to keep ashes on the forehead all day or for any period of time after they are given, but many Christians choose to keep them on their foreheads throughout the day on Ash Wednesday. Is it OK to remove ashes from forehead on Ash Wednesday? In addition, Catholics are expected to fast on Ash Wednesday, which means they should eat only one full meal, or two smaller meals that don't add up to a whole meal. Can Catholics eat meat on Ash Wednesday?Ĭatholics are asked not to eat meat on Ash Wednesday or on Fridays during Lent. "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The phrase recalls God's words to Adam in Genesis 3:19 before the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. The person administering ashes also may say, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”Īshes represent death and repentance since Christians believe Jesus died for their sins.

What words are traditionally said when ashes are given? Traditionally, ashes are burned from the palms used during the prior year's Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. Where do the ashes for Ash Wednesday traditionally come from? Ash Wednesday always occurs six and a half weeks before Easter, which is slated for Apthis year.
