Shrove Tuesday

Today is Shrove Tuesday. There are many traditions associated with this day.

One is the eating of pancakes. This began because pancakes are a way to use up the forbidden oil, eggs and milk before the Lenten fast. Many churches have pancake suppers on Shrove Tuesday.

Shrove Tuesday is also a traditional day of going to confession to be shriven, or given absolution. It is a day of introspection to clean your slate before Lent.

The general feasting associated with this day (which the French call Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday) comes from the desire to eat all the foods that are forbidden during Lent without wasting them or having them spoil.