Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday is celebrated by Christians. It is a traditional feast before Ash Wednesday which is the beginning of Lent. Shrove Tuesday is also known as Pancake Day or Pancake Tuesday. The relation to pancakes stems from the Lenten fast, as it was the last opportunity to use eggs and fats before the fast begins.

Who celebrates?

Christians around the world as well as people of all religions across the UK.

How do people celebrate?

• Christians observe the day by repenting any sins before the start of Lent and to engage in merriment before the sombre reflection of Lent begins
• People across the UK celebrate by making pancakes.

What should I know?

• Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the ritual of shriving – the process of confessing and repenting of sins fasting and abstaining from luxuries during Lent
• The date of Shrove Tuesday changes each year as it falls 47 days before Easter Sunday. It is between the 4th of February and 9th of March
• In the 2011 census 33.2 million people identified as Christian in the UK.

How can I support others?

• Ask people if they or their families will be celebrating
• Recognise that people of different religions may not be celebrating
• Ask your people about their faith and whether they’d be willing to share what it means to them
• Familiarise yourself with the diversity of religion in your area and how representative your organisation is of the community you serve

Pancake recipe: https://www.delicious.com.au/recipes/collections/gallery/15-incredible-pancakes-for-shrove-tuesday/gb29tqnm

History of Shrove Tuesday video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASdOOek7XQ0