Lent and Holy Week: Special Days in Lent

Shrove Tuesday

When is Shrove Tuesday?

Shrove Tuesday is actually the day before Lent begins, the day before Ash Wednesday. It is a day of preparation for Lent. It is more commonly known as Pancake Day today.

Why is it called Shrove Tuesday?

Shrove comes from the old word shrive which means to confess your wrong doings. Many people used to go to church to do this on the day before Lent began.

How is Shrove Tuesday celebrated?

It is not usually connected with any church celebration today but many people celebrate at home by eating pancakes.

Why are pancakes eaten on Shrove Tuesday?

It was once the custom to have a special kind of fast during Lent. This meant that people would not eat any fat, meat or eggs and only eat plain foods. The Tuesday before became a day of celebration when pancakes were made and eaten to make sure that all the fat and eggs that were in the house were eaten up before Lent began.

Do people still stop eating fat, eggs and meat during Lent?

Pancakes are still eaten in many homes on Shrove Tuesday and it is usually a time of happiness and fun. However, very few people stop eating fat, meat and eggs during Lent these days. Some Christians will fast by not eating certain foods or meals during Lent though.