Pancake Tuesday, otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday, is a tradition that’s been around for over 1000 years. The word ‘shrove’ originates from the word ‘shrive’.
Historically, shriving is a Christian ritual in which you confess your sins prior to receiving absolution for your sins. This process is done in preparation for Lent, a six-week period of fasting. Shrove Tuesday always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday.
In addition to this, Shrove Tuesday is known as Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) in many countries. It is the day before the beginning of Lent, and the last day of the Carnival, a period when the usual restrictions of daily life are temporarily lifted. In cities such as New Orleans (U.S.), Rio Janeiro (Brazil), and Venice (Italy), there are week-long festivals leading up to Mardi Gras.
