Pancake day

Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is a traditional Christian feast day that precedes the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. The day is celebrated in many countries by consuming pancakes. This tradition comes from a time when any remaining rich foods were eaten on the day before Lent to use them up, and fasting begins.

History

The tradition of Pancake Day dates back several centuries to when Christians would use up their eggs, milk, and sugar before the 40-day fasting period of Lent. The name "Shrove" comes from the old middle English word 'Shriven' meaning to go to confession to say sorry for the wrong things you've done. Lent always starts on a Wednesday, so people went to confessions on the day before. This became known as Shrove Tuesday.

Celebration

In the UK, Pancake Day is celebrated with pancake races, where people run while flipping their pancakes in a pan. This tradition is said to have originated in the town of Olney in the 15th century. Today, Pancake Day is celebrated in different ways around the world. In France, it's known as Mardi Gras or 'Fat Tuesday'. In Iceland, the day is known as Sprengidagur (Bursting Day) and is marked with salted meat and peas.

Pancakes

Pancakes are a type of flat, round cake that is cooked on a hot surface such as a griddle or frying pan. They are made from a batter that typically includes eggs, milk, and flour. Pancakes can be served with a variety of toppings, including syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar.

See also

• Mardi Gras
• Lent
• Ash Wednesday
• Easter