The Ember Days are a time dedicated to voluntary penance. They are not required by the church, but a little extra intentional penance and thanksgiving can do a lot of good- especially as we prepare for Christ’s coming at Christmas!

What are Ember Days?

There are 4 sets of Ember Days – one in each season. The winter Ember Days begin on the Wednesday following the Feast of St. Lucy. This year, the winter Ember Days are on December 17, 19, and 20.

Each season, we give thanks for a specific crop that grows in that season on that season’s particular Ember Days. The crop that we give thanks for during the winter Ember Days is olives for making the oils. Each Ember Days crop is also paired with a certain sacramental symbol. For winter, we give thanks for olives which can be used to make the blessed oils that the priest uses for the sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Ordination, and Anointing of the Sick).

How to Observe the Ember Days

For the Ember Days, we are to fast (2 small meals, or collations, and 1 regular meal) on Wednesday (reminding us of Judas’s betrayal) and Saturday (reminding us of the tomb), and fast and abstain from meat on Friday (reminding us of the crucifixion). Meat is allowed for dinner on Ember Wednesday and Ember Saturday.

Please note: If you are nursing, pregnant, or cannot fast and/or abstain from meat for ANY reason, please do not fast and abstain, as listed above! You can abstain from other things such as: non-essential food (dessert, sweets, coffee, soda), screens, other vices/bad habits, etc. If your pregnancy or condition causes you physical suffering, you can also offer that up for your Ember Days Intentions.

​​Here is an excellent summary and explanation of Ember Days.

Here is a link to prayers for Ember Days. I love that we pray for vocations as to the priesthood as well.

Free Sample Ember Days Meal Plan

I am also including a sample meal plan for these days. In order to be successful on Ember Days fasting and abstinence, I like to keep our meals as simple as possible. I just serve the same thing for the fasting days, but I have included a blank plan if you would like to switch it up!

​This fasting bread recipe is nice and hearty, and it makes 3 loaves which is great to last the 3 days (they freeze well, so I would freeze 1 or 2 of them). You can also double or triple this soup recipe to last you the 3 days, or add in another meal that your family enjoys.

Keeping the meals and meal prep simple gives me more time for observing the day and praying! Feel free to add in some olives alongside lunch or dinner as a reminder to be thankful for the olive harvest 🙂