Shrove Tuesday

Mardi Gras

Part of Shrovetide, Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent begins. Its popular name, ‘pancake day’, refers to the tradition of eating pancakes and any foods containing ingredients which are avoided during Lent, like butter and eggs.

The practical purpose was to use up the remaining stock of these foods, as they were not going to be eaten during Lent, and turn them into pancakes.

Many countries celebrate this day in their own way with specific sweet treats or carnival celebrations.

What happens on this day?

Shrove comes from 'shrive', an archaic verb, used when a priest listens to someone's confession and offers absolution or forgiveness.

Church bells ring on Shrove Tuesday, calling the congregation to church. The toll on this day is called a 'Shriving Bell,' a tradition dating back to the sixteenth century.

On Shrove Tuesday, the palm leaves may be burnt into ash for the coming Ash Wednesday, the Next Day:.

The Temptation of Christ

Next Day: Ash Wednesday