PANCAKE DAY - SHROVE TUESDAY

In UK SHROVE TUESDAY is known as Pancake Day or Pancake Tuesday.

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Why do we eat pancakes?
Shrove Tuesday is the last day before the period which Christians call LENT. It is traditional on this day to eat pancakes. Lent is a time of abstinence, when people give things up. So Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to eat up foods that aren't allowed in Lent. Pancakes are eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs which were forbidden during Lent.

When is pancake day?
Shrove Tuesday is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday and is therefore the final day before the beginning of Lent, an important time in the Christian calendar which leads up to Easter Sunday or Easter Day.

The name SHROVE comes the word 'shrive' which means to confess. In the Middle Ages, people would confess their sins on Shrove Tuesday so that they were forgiven before the season of Lent began.

What are pancakes?
A pancake is a thin, flat cake, made of batter and fried in a pan. Traditionally, fine sugar is sprinkled on top and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Then the pancake is rolled. Some people add golden syrup or jam. My variation is to add fresh fruit, such as raspberries :-)

Around the World
Pancake Day is also known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday and is also celebrated all over the world with fun, games and lots of eating. Customs vary in different countries.