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Show THE LENTEN SEASON. The observance of Lent, the great fast preceding Easter, is a custom which originated with the early i church, probably in the latter part of the second century, but the number ; of days included in the Lenten sea-: sea-: son has varied widely at different : times. In the beginning, it appears from the writings of Irenaeus and other early fathers of the church, only one or two days of fasting were observed. observ-ed. By the fourth century periods of three, six and even seven weeks were observed in various countries, with widely different customs with respect res-pect to the continuity of the fast. As at present observed, Lent is a fast of forty days, not including Sundays, Sun-days, beginning with Ash Wednesday Wednes-day this year on March 6 and ending end-ing the Saturday before Easter. During Lent it is considered desirable desir-able by the churches observing it that their members abstain from food each fasting day until evening; also that : the season be marked by frequent attendance at worship and increased diligence in works of charity. Various degrees of strictness in these observances ob-servances have prevailed from time to time, and exceptions are made in accordance with the physical needs of certain individuals. Indulgence in i worldly amusements is considered un-i un-i suitable to the Lenten season. Lent is observed by the Roman ; Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches. |