WHY WE EAT PANCAKES ON SHROVE TUESDAY

Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras Day is a day of celebration as well as penitence because it is the last day before the season Christians call Lent. 

This day always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date varies from year to year and falls between 3 February and 9 March.

Shrove Tuesday derives its name from the word “shrive” which means “to confess.” On this day in ancient times people confessed their sins so that they were forgiven before the season of Lent began.  

Lent is a time of giving up things, especially foods that contain sugar, eggs, and butter. As these foods would spoil within these 47 days, it became a tradition to “use them up.” Thus today we eat Pancakes.

Come and join the Men of the Church every year for a Pancake Supper in Haskell Hall at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer!  Everyone is welcome!

Article by: Fred Hamilton 2024