Shrove Tuesday is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (when Lent begins). It is a day of penitence and of celebration: penitence for the coming of Lent and celebration because it is the last day before abstaining from a food or habit for Lent in honor of Christ's sacrifice for us.
The day's name derives from shriving, that is confession of sins and absolution or forgiveness. It was the day when the faithful went to the confessor. It was also the day they cleaned out their pantries. In the Middle Ages, there were many foods devout Christians did not eat for the duration of Lent. These included eggs, milk products, meat, fish, and fats. Instead of wasting these foods, families would hold feasts to use them up. This led to the French Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday". Pancakes became associated with this day, also, because these require eggs, fats, and milk.
Indeed, many people associate Shrove Tuesday with Pancake Races. These began as early as 1445 when, according to tradition, a woman cooking pancakes that Shrove Tuesday lost track of time, heard the church bells calling people to worship, and raced for church still wearing her apron and carrying her frying pan with pancakes in it.
For the last 50 years, Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, Buckinghamshire, England, have raced identical 415 yard courses to see which town can produce the fastest competitor. The race is followed by a church service.
At Grace Episcopal Church, we celebrate by inviting the community to a Shrimp Dinner held in the parish hall. Tickets to the dinner are available the two weeks prior to the event. It is so popular, people must specify which seating they prefer.
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Pictures from
Shrove Tuesday Shrimp Dinner
2006