The History of Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, Ash Wednesday and Lent

As we approach Shrove Tuesday, many of us will be looking forward to stacks of pancakes topped with our favourite sweet (or savoury!) toppings. But where did Pancake Day actually come from and how does it connect to Ash Wednesday and Lent?

Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Shrove Tuesday?

Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday and marks the final day before the start of Lent in the Christian calendar.

The word “shrove” comes from the old English word “shrive,” meaning to confess. Traditionally, Christians would attend church to confess their sins and be “shriven” (forgiven) before the reflective season of Lent began.

Because Lent was historically a time of fasting and simplicity, households would use up rich ingredients like:

• Eggs

• Milk

• Butter

• Sugar

Rather than letting them go to waste, people would combine them into pancakes giving us the tradition we still enjoy today.

Why Pancakes?

Pancakes became popular because they were:

• Quick to make

• A simple way to use up ingredients

• Filling before the fasting season

In centuries past, Lent involved strict rules about giving up rich foods. Pancakes were a practical and delicious solution!

Today, while many people no longer follow traditional fasting rules, Pancake Day remains a widely celebrated cultural tradition in the UK and beyond.

Pancake Day Traditions

Over time, Shrove Tuesday developed some unique and fun traditions.

Pancake Races

One of the most famous traditions is the pancake race, where participants run while flipping pancakes in a frying pan. The tradition is said to date back to 1445 in Olney, Buckinghamshire, when a woman supposedly ran to church mid-cooking while still holding her pan!

The Olney Pancake Race still takes place today.

Around the World

Shrove Tuesday is celebrated in different ways globally:

• In France, it’s known as Mardi Gras (meaning “Fat Tuesday”)

• In parts of the USA, Mardi Gras celebrations include parades and festivals

• In Poland, a similar tradition called Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday) involves eating doughnuts

Each tradition centres around enjoying rich foods before Lent begins.

Ash Wednesday and the Start of Lent

The day after Shrove Tuesday is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.

Lent lasts for 40 days (excluding Sundays) and leads up to Easter Sunday. The 40 days symbolise the time Jesus is said to have spent fasting in the desert.

On Ash Wednesday, many Christians attend a church service where a small cross of ash is placed on their forehead. The ashes, traditionally made from burned palm crosses from the previous year’s Palm Sunday, symbolise reflection, humility and renewal.

What Happens During Lent?

Lent is traditionally a time of:

• Reflection

• Preparation

• Personal growth

• Fasting or giving something up

Some people choose to give up things like chocolate, sweets, fizzy drinks, or social media. Others choose to take something positive up such as volunteering, fundraising, or practising gratitude.

While Lent has strong religious roots, many people today use the season as an opportunity to reset habits or focus on wellbeing.

Holy Week and Easter

Lent ends during Holy Week, which includes:

• Palm Sunday

• Maundy Thursday

• Good Friday

• Easter Sunday

Easter is one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar, marking themes of hope and renewal.

A Tradition That Brings People Together

Whether you observe Lent for religious reasons or simply enjoy Pancake Day as a fun cultural tradition, Shrove Tuesday remains a time that brings people together.

So however you celebrate, classic lemon and sugar, chocolate spread, fruit, or something savoury we hope you enjoy it!

Happy Pancake Day! 🥞