Today is Shrove Tuesday (more commonly known as Pancake Day) and is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday.
Lent – the 40 days leading up to Easter – was traditionally a time of fasting and on Shrove Tuesday, Anglo-Saxon Christians went to confession and were “shriven” (released from their sins). A bell would be rung to call people to confession. This came to be called the “Pancake Bell” and is still rung today.
Pancakes were, and still are, a way of using up food, such as eggs, milk and sugar, before 40 days of fasting for Lent. As pancakes are seen as a special treat, Pancake Day is celebrated by all sorts of people, not just Christians. But it’s important to understand where its origins began.
What are the Season of Lent traditions?
Fasting: give something up, such as alcohol or chocolate. Christians do this to show they’re thinking of the sacrifice that was made by Jesus. People may also decide to share their time with people in need, or take up a new hobby.
Prayer: people pray to god for those in need. This could be people who are less fortunate, are suffering from illness or going through a rough time. When praying throughout Lent, Christians make extra time to speak to God about what’s going on in their lives. When talking about things they’re not proud of, known as sins, this act of speaking to God is called confession.
Almsgiving: people show care, love and respect for others. This is done through several acts of giving, such as donating clothes and books to people in need. Christians may cook a meal for someone in need or volunteer to help at a local church.
Are you having pancakes today? What’s your favourite topping? Tell us in the comments below!