Should blessed ashes be placed on the tongue?

[carlc]

I recently attended a Mass at which the upcoming celebration of Ash Wednesday was mentioned by the priest. He indicated that he would be distributing ashes on the forehead (as usual) but would also, for those who elect to do so, place some on their tongue.

I’ve never heard of this before (I grew up Catholic) and I am curious if it is licit.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

I have never heard of this either and cannot fathom its purpose. Wearing blessed ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday serves as a visible sign of our mortality and of our union with Christ and his cross. What do ashes on the tongue signify? Beyond that, placing blessed ashes on the tongue could open the sacramental to abuse because most people reflexively gag at the taste of ashes. And, not to mention, it seems highly unsanitary for one person to touch multiple tongues with an ash-coated thumb.

I recommend politely asking this priest why he is considering doing this and upon what Church documentation he is substantiating offering this as an option.