Inspire

Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday occurs the day before Lent begins and is also known by many as ‘Pancake Day’. 

What is Shrove Tuesday and why do we eat pancakes on this day?

Shrove Tuesday serves as a reminder that the season of Lent is about to begin. Historically, during Lent, Christians abstain from eating certain things so Shrove Tuesday was an opportunity to indulge in these things. The association with pancakes is thought to have originated as a way for people to use up rich foods like eggs, milk and sugar before the fasting period of Lent began.

The word ‘shrove’ is derived from the Old English word ‘shrive’ which means to confess one’s sins and receive absolution. As such, Shrove Tuesday is traditionally a day of preparation for fasting during Lent. In the Middle Ages, Christians would go to confession, or ‘shrive’, to prepare themselves for the upcoming season of Lent.

Daniel 9: 3-4 (ERV)

“Then I turned to the Lord God. I prayed to him and asked him for help. I did not eat any food. I put ashes on my head and put on the clothes that showed I was sad. I prayed to the Lord my God and told him about all my sins.”

Hopefully you were able to enjoy some pancakes this Shrove Tuesday as we prepare for Lent.

Submitted by Erin Gracey