Shrove Tuesday

Pancake Day (also known as Shrove Tuesday) is the last day before the period which Christians call Lent. It is traditional on this day to eat pancakes. Translation... they're crepes--not "American" pancakes/flapjacks.

The name Shrove comes from the old word "shrive" which means to confess. On Shrove Tuesday, in the Middle Ages, people used to confess their sins so that they were forgiven before the season of Lent began.

Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration as well as penitence, because it's the last day before Lent. It's the last day for people indulge themselves on foods that traditionally aren't allowed during Lent. Pancakes are eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs which were forbidden during Lent.

After 4 years in the UK, I thought it was high time to partake in the celebration. All day long, I've been bombarded by pancake recipes and news articles about the importance of the day. So, I whipped up a few pancakes for me and Paulster tonight. Sorry, no pics, they were gone too fast to worry about a photo opp. I can tell you that traditionally you sprinkle on some lemon juice and maybe a little icing sugar [powdered sugar] to serve the pancakes. That's how Paulster had his.
I, on the other hand, had 2 with a few semi-sweet chocolate morsels in them and one with powdered sugar sprinkled on.

I can also report that neither Sulley nor Kenny was a fan of the pancakes. And that's saying something, because Sulley will eat ANYTHING...oh well...more for me! ;)

Here is a sample from around the world:
United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia - Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day or Pancake Tuesday

Brazil - Terça-feira gorda - Fat Tuesday - the final day of Brazilian Carnival.

Greece - Apocreas, which means "from the meat" since they don't eat meat during Lent, either.

Sweden - Fettisdagen (Fat Tuesday).

USA In Catholic and French-speaking parts of the United States this day is called Mardi Gras.

Germany - "Fastnacht" (Also spelt "Fasnacht", "Fasenacht", "Fasteloven" (in the Rhine area) or "Fasching" in Bavaria.)

In France they call it Mardi Gras, which means Grease or Fat Tuesday.

In Iceland the day is known as "Sprengidagur" (Bursting day).

So, two questions for blog readers...
1) How did you celebrate Shrove Tuesday in your country?
2) Are you giving anything up for Lent--if so, what?

Post your comments!

Happy Birthday, Ouida!

Today is a milestone day--Ouida is turning 70 years old! The celebration started on Friday when all the kids made it back to Texas. We continued the celebration on Saturday night with a dinner party at Cletus' house.
The last occassion for us all to be together was not such a joyous one, so it was nice to be able to relax a bit and have fun together.
Here's a picture of Ouida in her special birthday girl hat at her party this year!


And here is one of all her kids (plus one grandson):


I had the good fortune of spending her 69th birthday with her, too, when she and Aunt Karo came to brave the cold in London. Here's the picture of her enjoying birthday tartlet at high tea in Fortnum and Mason:


And here's one of the two of us outside of a hotel in Buxton when we went on our driving tour of England:


I will only speak for myself, but imagine that the other siblings could write a similiar entry. She is the most loving and self-sacrificial mom that this child could hope to have. She continues to set a Christ-like example for me and has done for my entire life. Ouida, I love you more than words can express and wish you a very Happy 70th Birthday--you know, it's legal to celebrate for a rolling 7 days from your actual birthday--So, let it roll!