Didn't the Good Friday fast used to be pentitential -- not "anticipation and longing" (how does that relate to fasting -- "I was too excited to eat"? -- like a little kid on Christmas Eve?) Where did they get the notion of a "Paschal fast"? The reference to Passover would seem to indicate it has Jewish roots, but that would be a new one on me!
Fridays During Lent—In the United States, the tradition of abstaining from meat on each Friday during Lent is maintained.
The "tradition" is maintained. Does this mean it's not obligatory?