Padre's Corner - Reminiscences on Pancake Day

Shrove Tuesday is the traditional Anglo-Saxon name for Pancake Day. The date for Shrove Tuesday changes, just as the date for Easter changes each year. Shrove Tuesday is 47 days before Easter Sunday and can fall anywhere between Feb. 3 and March 9. It is also the last day before the season of Lent begins the following day on Ash Wednesday.

This is significant in the origins of Pancake Day, as Lent is traditionally a season of fasting in the Christian Church. Thus, it was the last opportunity to use up eggs and fats before members of the church began their Lenten fast. Pancakes are a great way to use up those ingredients, and it became the custom to eat pancakes on this day.

This consumption of fats and other foods prior to the Lenten fast gives rise to another name for Pancake Day: Mardi Gras, which is French for “Fat Tuesday.” You may be familiar with hearing about the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans or other cities.

Traditionally, Mardi Gras is the final day of a carnival season stretching from after the 12 days of Christmas and culminating on Mardi Gras. These celebrations date back beyond Christianity to pagan origins of spring and fertility rites. Religious leaders within the Roman era adapted to the local traditions, and thus tied these festivities into the pre-Lenten season in preparation for fasting. As Christianity spread from Rome, so did the traditions of Mardi Gras.

Whatever name you use for Pancake Day, may it be a day filled with yummy pancakes, fun and laughter.