Ember days represent the changes in liturgical and agricultural seasons and had been practiced in the Catholic Church since the fifth century. Traditionally, there are four ember weeks a year and occur the week after: 1. First Week of Lent, 2. Pentecost 3. The Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14th), and 4. the Feast of St. Lucy (December 13th). The days encourage the faithful to be thankful to God and His gifts of nature, and to use His gifts in moderation through prayer, fasting, and abstinence.

These days are of particular importance as society loses touch with seasonal agriculture. While the practice of Ember days is no longer mandatory by the Church since Vatican II, it is still encouraged.