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?
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2 comments:
great post...may send people to your link for a read.
Hi from TX where baby boy R. (Jackson, born 2-23) is doing great. Was in Doha, Qatar for Shrove Tuesday. Given the Anglican tradition in much of the Middle East, we celebrated at the "Church House" with pancakes...both UK and US style. Had a good time. Decided not to "give up" for Lent, but to "add in" more contemplative time. Having a new baby to hold helps!
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