The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

LENT

LENT IS A CUSTOM OF THE CHURCH TO TAKE A BREAK. 40 DAYS WAS CHOSEN
BECAUSE IT WAS A GREAT NUMBER IN THE BIBLE.

Submitter comment: EXAMPLE OF THE NUMBER IS WHEN JESUS WENT INTO THE DESERT FOR 40 DAYS.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE IS WHEN THE VIRGIN HAD TO WAIT 40 DAYS AFTER
JESUS BIRTH TO BE PURIFIED IN THE CHURCH.

Where learned: DETROIT ; SAINT AMBROSE RECTORY

Date learned: 02-27-1979