It’s Shrove Tuesday today and that can mean only one thing – PANCAKES! We love pancakes, but what’s the story behind them? Why do we have this day every year?
Shrove is a religious term and comes from the old English word “Shrive” which means “To obtain absolution for oneself by confessing and doing penance”. Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of “Lent”. Lent is 40 day period where people abstain from something, traditionally food, in memory of Jesus’ 40 day preparation in the desert before beginning His ministry. The 40 days culminate in Easter – the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection after His crucifixion.
Traditionally, pancakes are made on Shrove Tuesday to use up remaining rich food like eggs, milk and sugar before the fasting period begins. Nowadays, pancakes have become an art form in themselves. Secret recipes for creating the best batter, the perfect “Flip”, ultimate toppings etc. I love the fun of making pancakes and, equally, adding delicious toppings and eating 1,2,3,4,5 and more!
The internet loves Pancakes too! Here are some of the best bits:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnCVZozHTG8[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_gxLKSsSIE[/youtube]
I don’t follow the religious traditions of Shrove Tuesday and the Lent period, however, I do recognise the impact that Jesus’ ministry has had on my life and many others. Why not find out more of who this man was and what he did? Mars Hill have an excellent series of talks looking at who Jesus claimed to be, what people said about him then and now, historical evidence for Jesus and more. It’s well worth a listen, follow the link to listen to one of the talks.