ymbren

I read this is very likely the etymological origin of the word "Ember" as in "Ember days."  Ymbren, Anglo-Saxon for something cyclical, a circuit, or a revolution.  There are four sets of Ember days throughout the year, relating to the four seasons - and thus predating or at least originally independent of the Christian faith.  Today is the last of the three Ember days following the feast of Pentecost.  This past Wednesday was the first, the second was yesterday, Friday.  Ember days are intended to be days of fasting and prayer.