Shrove Tuesday Traditions

Shrove Tuesday Traditions

 

Shrovetide refers to the name given in the past to the few days before Ash Wednesday. It derived its name from the verb to 'shrive' with its root of scribe and scrape. Scraping was associated with quill pens being dipped in dark ink and scraping was also linked to fine parchment as it was made from animal skin.  

·                     In medieval times, people listened for the church bell known as the 'shriving' bell to announce that the priest was hearing confessions. When we are cleansed from our sins, it is as though we are scraped clean.

·                     Shrove Tuesday, is also referred to as Pancake day, Mardi gras (Fat Tuesday). Shrovetide was also associated with Carnival coming from the latin ’carni' meaning meat and 'vale' meaning goodbye, that is, goodbye to meat for Lent. Carnivals are passing and the celebration of Shrovetide with its merriment and feasting ends as Ash Wednesday is ushered in at midnight.

·                     Shrove Tuesday was associated with eating pancakes, traditionally with lemon juice and brown sugar. This tradition developed because people used their dairy products (particularly eggs, milk and cream) before Lent began.  Pancakes were usually tossed three times in honour of the Trinity.

The beauty of Shrovetide for our own life is that it provides an opportunity of us to enjoy the tradition of pancakes (traditional, sweet and savoury fillings), but more importantly help us to physically, mentally and spiritually prepare for Lent.

May you enjoy your Shrovetide.