Religiously, the beginning of Great Lent is traditionally tied to the beginning of Spring, an association found in the ''[[Triodion]]'' (containing hymns for the Lenten season). The ancient hymns refer to the "Lenten Spring," a natural link because of the time of year during which Lent always occurs in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The church services during this week are very similar to those served during Great Lent itself, though they are shorter. This is also the first time the [[Prayer of Saint EphremEphraim]] is said and the [[Divine Liturgy]] is forbidden on Wednesday and Friday (as it is on every weekday of Great Lent).