Embertide is a term used in liturgical calendars, referring to the four sets of three days – Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday – that occur near the beginning of each season. The word is pronounced /ɛm.bər.taɪd/ and is derived from the Old English word "ymbren," meaning "cycle" or "circuit," and "tíd," meaning "time" or "season." The spelling of the word is based on the Old English spelling, with the "e" in the first syllable representing a short "e" sound and the "i" in the second syllable representing a long "i" sound.
Embertide refers to a specific period of time in the liturgical calendar that occurs four times a year in the Roman Catholic Church. The term “Embertide” is derived from the Latin word “quatuor tempora,” which means “four seasons.”
During Embertide, the Church designates three days for prayer and fasting as a way to commemorate the changing seasons and seek spiritual renewal. These periods typically fall on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday following the liturgical celebrations of Ash Wednesday, Pentecost, the Feast of the Holy Cross in September, and the third Sunday of Advent.
Embertide holds significant religious importance as it provides a chance for the faithful to give thanks to God for the gifts of nature, particularly the seasonal produce and harvest. It is also seen as an opportunity for spiritual reflection, penance, and the strengthening of one's faith. Many churches organize special prayers, liturgies, and devotions during this time.
The fasting aspect of Embertide includes abstaining from certain types of food and drink, adhering to the traditions of the Church. It is seen as a form of sacrifice and discipline, allowing believers to focus on their spiritual growth and connect with God on a deeper level.
Overall, Embertide is a specific period in the Catholic liturgical calendar that emphasizes prayer, fasting, thanksgiving, and spiritual renewal, serving as a reminder of the close relationship between the physical world and one's spiritual journey.
The word "Embertide" is derived from Old English "ymbren", which means "the series of fasts". The term can be divided into two parts: "emb" and "tide".
The first part, "emb", comes from the Old English word "ymbren", which later evolved into "ym(b)ren", "embrene", or "embrede". This word refers to the circuit or rotation of something. In this case, it refers to a recurring period of fasting.
The second part, "tide", comes from the Old English word "tid", which means "time" or "season". The word "tide" is often used to refer to a specific period or season in the liturgical calendar, during which certain religious observances are carried out.
Therefore, "Embertide" essentially means the recurring series of fasts or special times during the liturgical year.