Shrove Tuesday is the day immediately preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. It is a day of preparation for the fasting and penitence practiced throughout the season of Lent.
The name Shrove Tuesday comes from the word “shrive”, which means to confess and receive absolution. The concept behind this practice is found in 1 Corinthians 9:27, where the Apostle Paul states: “I discipline my body and keep it under control . . . ” Ironically, Shrove Tuesday has devolved into a day of indulgence when some people take part in as much pleasure and self-gratification as they can before Lent and the fasting both begin.
For centuries many foods such as meat and fish, fats, eggs, and milky foods were not eaten as part of the fasting tradition. The need to eat up the fats gave rise to the French name Mardi Gras (‘Fat Tuesday’). Groups of people would gather together and join their supplies to use up all the foods that would spoil during the Lenten season. In essence, they were being good stewards of the provisions God had provided.
Pancakes became associated with Shrove Tuesday because they were a dish that could use up all the eggs, fats, and milk in the house simply by adding flour.
There is a fun tale that says pancake races began in the year 1445. A woman had lost track of the time on Shrove Tuesday, and was busy cooking pancakes in her kitchen. Suddenly she heard the church bell ringing to call people to church for confession. The woman raced out of her house and ran all the way to church, still holding her frying pan and wearing her apron.
Today there are still pancake races! Perhaps the most famous races are held at Olney (home of John Newton, author of the hymn Amazing Grace) in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom over a 415 yard course. The rules are strict; contestants have to toss their pancake from the start to the finish line. Plus they must wear an apron and a scarf. A church service follows the race.
Because of this tradition, churches all over have pancake suppers to kick off the season of Lent.
Looking beyond fun traditions, the primary focus of Shrive Tuesday is to prepare our homes and hearts for the fasting and penitence in which we will participate during the season of Lent. We follow the Apostle Peter’s advice to:
Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19