Show the lenten season I 1 the observance of lent the great fast preceding easter Is a custom which originated with the early church probably in the latter part of the second century but the number of days included in the lenten season has varied widely at dif ferent times in the beginning it appears from the writings of irenaeus and other early fathers of the church only one or two days of tasting fasting were observed by the fourth fourt h century periods of three six and even seven weeks observed in various countries with widely different customs with respect to tg the continuity of the rast fast S st present observed lent Is a fas fact of foray forty days not including sundays beginning with ash wednesday this year on march 6 and ending the saturday before easter during lent it Is considered desirable by the churches observing it that their members abstain from food each tasting 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 have prevailed from time to time and exceptions are made I 1 in accordance with the physical needs of certain individuals indulgence in word ly amusements is considered unsuitable to the lenten season lent is observed by the roman catholic anglican and lutheran churches |