In the ancient days of the Church, the faithful were required to fast for the durration of Lent. Not only that, but strong drink, meat, and animal products were also forbidden. Basically everyone became a vegan. Fish and seafood were also forbidden, at first. Due to the severity of this discipline (observence of Lent predates Advent in history) there was a small season before hand to prepare for it. During this period, the faithful would slowly begin to abstain from these foods.
The Pre-Lenten season began this year on January 13th in the Byzantine Rite. The Last two Sundays before Great Lent are nicknamed Meatfare Sunday, and Cheesefare Sunday. Traditionally Meatfare Sunday was the last day they could eat meat, and Cheesefare Sunday was the last day they could animal products.
In the Byzantine Rite, Sundays are included in the 40 days of Great Lent. Due to it being a joyful day, as well as Saturday (the old Sabbath), the fasting restrictions are slightly relieved. So Great Lent begins this year on Monday, February 4th, in the Byzantine Rite. Which is the Monday after Quinquagesima Sunday (in the Roman Rite.) Holy Week is not part of Great Lent in the Byzantine Rite, it is its own distinct fasting period.
Over the years the Roman Rite discluded the Sundays during Lent as part of the 40 days of fasting. Since Sunday is a joyful day, fasting was relieved somewhat on those days. As a result of that, Ash Wednesday came about. If you count all the days leading up to Easter Sunday, there are 46 days. The Sundays are not counted as part of the 40 fasting days.
Anyways, counting all the days from January 13th (which starts the Pre-Lenten season in the Byzantine Rite) to Easter Sunday, March 23rd, there are 70 days total. Hence the name Septugesimatide. Because we toyed with the counting of the fasting days, it also messed up the counting of the days of the Pre-Lenten season. We now begin the Pre-Lenten season one week later than the Byzantine Rite, so we no longer have literally 70 days leading up to Easter. However, we have retained the title “Septuagesimatide.” The following Sundays were also given numerical names. These numbers are also rounded, and it is a nice way to remind every one that Lent is around the corner, and to get to confession.
As for why were 70 days chosen? It has been speculated that they were symbolic of the great 70 year long Babylonian Captivity of Israel. 40 in Judaism is considered a perfect number for preparation. Our Lord was presented at the Temple 40 days after his birth, and he fasted for forty days, as did the Ninevites in the book of Jonah. The 40 day fasting period of Lent is quite Jewish in its origin.
Starting on Epiphany (January 6th), in many parts of Europe, the Carnival begins. During this period, the faithful would eat and drink up what was forbidden during Lent. In other parts of Europe, the carnival begins on Septuagesima Sunday. During Septuagesimatide, the carnival intensified. The most intense day was Mardi Gras, “Fat Tuesday”, which is the day before Ash Wednesday. Carnival and Mardi Gras also have religious signifigance although they have strayed from it today…
