Ember Days
Four times per year: after Ash Wednesday, Pentecost, Holy Cross (Sep 14), and St. Lucy (Dec 13); specifically on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of those weeks
Quarterly periods of fasting and prayer for the sanctification of time and the ordination of clergy, observed on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after the First Sunday of Lent, the Day of Pentecost, Holy Cross Day, and December 13. Though largely fallen into disuse in the 20th century, Ember Days are retained in the Anglican, Lutheran, and Catholic church calendar calendars and many parishes are reviving them as occasions for creation prayer and vocational discernment.
It usually falls on or around Four times per year: after Ash Wednesday, Pentecost, Holy Cross (Sep 14), and St. Lucy (Dec 13); specifically on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of those weeks.
It is especially important in Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran traditions. Browse Christian holidays — browse options on Eden.
At a glance
- Type
- fast day
- Date type
- Semi-fixed
- Regions
- Western Christianity
- Themes
- Penitence & Fasting, Creation, Mission
- Liturgical colour
- N/A