The History And Meaning Of Shrove Tuesday

The History And Meaning Of Shrove Tuesday

This year Shrove Tuesday, also commonly referred to as Pancake Day in the United Kingdom will be celebrated on March 8th. Shrove Tuesday marks the last day in the Christian calendar before the 40 day period of lent leading up to Easter. Shrove Tuesday (the word shrove' the past tense form of the word shrive' meaning to confess one's sins and gain absolution) has traditionally been associated with this last day of Shrovetide, a week where Christians are expected to go to confession in preparation for Lent.

This day has a certain celebratory aspect, and many will know of it as Mardi Gras'- a literal translation being Fat Tuesday'. This name derives from the fact that rich foods would be eaten on this day before the fasting period of Lent. In the UK this tradition of eating up the remaining fatty sweet ingredients such as butter, eggs and sugar is symbolised in the making of pancakes. Weeks before Shrove Tuesday pancake making ingredients (including the essential non-stick frying pan) adorn the shelves of the supermarkets.

The term Mardi Gras' is usually synonymous with carnival', and if you mention the term to most people images of brightly coloured costumes and decorative floats will spring to mind. Most of us will, no-doubt, be familiar with the garish get-ups and masks from the famous carnivals in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and New Orleans in the USA.

Whilst the British mark the occasion on a much smaller and less festive scale it is still an opportunity to get together with friends and family to make pancakes and enjoy them with sweet or savoury toppings. Many of us may not be of the Christian faith, but we can still take the opportunity to feast with our loved ones and enjoy watching our nearest and dearest trying to flip the pancakes! For those of the denomination it is an occasion to reflect on what will be given up over the 40 days following Ash Wednesday.

Only a small number of Christians still continue the practice of forsaking a vice' such as smoking or chocolate. But, for those that still follow the tradition, it is in an important commemoration of Jesus' sacrifices before his crucifixion (the Easter period). Above all it is a true test of self-sacrifice- what would you give up for 40 days? And more importantly would you be successful in renouncing the things you love the most?

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