| Show THE LENTEN SEASON the cb observance servance of lent the great fast preceding easter is a custom which chic 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 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 tasting fasting were observed by the fourth century periods of f three six and nd even seven weeks were abere observed in various counties wit widely different customs with respect to the continuity of the fast As at present observed le lent nt is a fast of forty days not including sundays beginning with ash this year on march 6 and ending the saturday before easter during lent leit it is con considered considene d desirable by the churches observing it that their members abstain from food each falong 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 pre prevailed from time to time and exceptions are made in accordance with the physical needs of certain individuals linduig indulgence in worldly amusements i is 9 considered ansu unsuitable bitable to the lenten season lent Is observed by the roman catholic anglican and lutheran churches |
