Are you allowed to wipe off the ashes?

[little_flower_1]

are you allowed to wipe off the ashes you recieve on ash wednesday? or does everyone where them all day? i was in the rcia only two years ago, and was prevented from recieving the ashes last year, so this will be my first time.

 

[rcn]

Anyone is welcome to receive ashes, so you were not prohibited from receiving them in the past.

There are no “rules” regarding how long to wear them. I usually rub them off absentmindedly during the day.

 

[Pug]

Yes, you may remove them. Many people do keep them on, however.

 

[joshua1]

I find they itch after being on there for a while so I absentmindedly scratch my forehead and rub them off. Im excited about this lent. My Son will make his first Holy Communion this year, so it will be a long Lent.