Pancake Day falls on Tuesday, February 21st this year, but it represents much more than just a competition to determine who can flip the best pancake.
WHAT IS PANCAKE DAY?
Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is the traditional feast day celebrated before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. In other parts of the world, Shrove Tuesday is known as Mardi Gras, which means "Fat Tuesday" in French. The actual date of Shrove Tuesday varies each year, as it always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, ranging between February 3rd and March 9th.
Shrove Tuesday acquired its name as it was the last chance to consume eggs and fats before the fasting period of Lent. Pancakes became the perfect way to use up these ingredients. A pancake is a thin, flat cake made from batter and fried in a frying pan. A traditional English pancake is very thin and is served immediately. The typical toppings for pancakes include golden syrup, lemon juice, and caster sugar.
The ingredients used to make pancakes can be viewed as symbolic of four significant aspects of this time of year:
-
1. Eggs symbolise creation, new beginnings, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
-
2. Flour represents sustenance, the staff of life, and the body of Christ.
-
3. Salt symbolises wholesomeness, purity, and preservation, as well as the tears shed during Jesus' crucifixion.
-
4. Milk is a symbol of purity, the nurture of kindness and charity, and the spiritual nourishment found in the word of God.
Check out this recipe on how to make pancakes: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/easy-pancakes
PANCAKE DAY CELEBRATIONS
In the UK, pancake races are a significant part of the Shrove Tuesday celebrations, providing an opportunity for a large number of people, often in fancy dress, to race down streets while tossing pancakes. The objective of the race is to be the first to cross the finish line, carrying a frying pan with a cooked pancake in it and flipping the pancake as you run.
The most renowned pancake race takes place in Olney, Buckinghamshire. According to tradition, in 1445, a woman from Olney heard the shriving bell while making pancakes and ran to the church in her apron, still clutching her frying pan. The Olney pancake race has now gained worldwide recognition. Competitors must be local housewives and wear an apron and a hat or scarf.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. The day derives its name from the traditional blessing of the ashes obtained from the burning of Palm branches (or crosses made from Palm leaves) used in the previous year's Palm Sunday celebrations. In some churches, the ashes are employed to draw a cross on people's heads to indicate the start of their Lenten fast. The marking of the cross is usually accompanied by the repetition of the phrases "Repent and believe in the Gospel" (Mark 1:15) or "Remember that you are dust, and to dust, you shall return" (Genesis 3:19).
WHAT IS LENT?
Lent is a six-week period leading up to Easter, considered by many Christians as the most important time of the year. It is viewed as a period of solemn observance and preparation for the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus, beginning on Ash Wednesday and culminating on Easter Sunday.
Traditionally, Lent is a time for fasting or abstaining from something. Christians observe Lent in various ways, with some adhering to strict fasts which begin with the wearing of ashes on Ash Wednesday and the avoidance of meat, fish, eggs, and fats until Easter Sunday. Others may choose to give up more luxurious items such as chocolate, meat, or alcohol. Some even opt to abstain from watching TV, going to the gym, or using social media in order to refocus on their faith.
HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR PANCAKES?
There are numerous ways to enjoy pancakes now, ranging from American to traditional and savoury to sweet. Here at WINNS Head Office, we are divided: some prefer the traditional pancake, while others favour the American-style pancake. However, we all agree on adding fruit toppings and a drizzle of Nutella!
The most popular toppings for pancakes include:
- Lemon and sugar
- Maple syrup
- Strawberries & cream
- Nutella
- Banana
- Treacle
- Ice cream
- Mixed berries
- Caramel
- Whipped cream
We would love to know if you have any bizarre toppings that you prefer on your pancakes. If you do, please send them to keri.barfoot@winnsservices.co.uk.