View source for Shrove Tuesday

{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{Short description|Tuesday before Ash Wednesday}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox holiday
| holiday_name  = Shrove Tuesday
| nickname      = {{plainlist|
* Pancake Day
* [[Mardi Gras]]
  }}
| type          = Christian
| longtype      = [[Christianity|Christian]]
| image         = Pieter Bruegel the Elder- The Fight between Carnival and Lent detail 3.jpg
| image_size    = 
| caption       = [[Pieter Bruegel the Elder]]: ''[[The Fight Between Carnival and Lent]]'' (detail), 1559
| observedby    = [[Christians]] (including [[Anglicans]], [[Catholics]],  [[Lutherans]], [[Methodists]])<ref name="Kelvey2018">{{cite web |last1=Kelvey |first1=Jon |title=Strawbridge United Methodist keeps Shrove Tuesday pancake tradition |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll/news/cc-shrove-tuesday-pancakes-20180213-story.html |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |access-date=25 February 2020 |language=en |date=13 February 2018|quote=Many churches—Anglican and Methodist—celebrate Shrove Tuesday then as the beginning of the season of lent, a time to reflect and repent of wrongdoings. But, as Howard notes, it's also called Fat Tuesday, a time to load up on rich food before Lent (40 Days). "For some people it's Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, a time to fatten up before you give something up," he said.}}</ref>
| date          = Concluding day of [[Carnival]] or [[Shrovetide]]; the day before the start of Lent on [[Ash Wednesday]]. Shrove Tuesday is always placed 47 days before the western [[Easter Sunday]]
| duration      = 1 day
| frequency     = Annual
| date{{CURRENTYEAR}} = {{Moveable date |holiday=Shrove Tuesday |year={{CURRENTYEAR}} |format=infobox}}
| date{{NEXTYEAR}} = {{Moveable date |holiday=Shrove Tuesday |year={{NEXTYEAR}} |format=infobox |cite=y}}
| date{{NEXTYEAR|2}} = {{Moveable date |holiday=Shrove Tuesday |year={{NEXTYEAR|2}} |format=infobox}}
| date{{NEXTYEAR|3}} = {{Moveable date |holiday=Shrove Tuesday |year={{NEXTYEAR|3}} |format=infobox}}
| observances   = [[Penance|Confession]], the ritual burning of the previous year's [[Palm Sunday]] branches, finalizing one's [[Lenten sacrifice]], eating [[pancakes]] and other sweets
| relatedto     = {{plainlist|
* [[Pre-Lent]]
* [[Shrovetide]]
* [[Carnival]]
* [[Ash Wednesday]]
* [[Mardi Gras]]
  }}
}}

'''Shrove Tuesday''' (also known as '''Pancake Tuesday''' or '''Pancake Day''') is the final day of [[Shrovetide]], which marks the end of the [[pre-Lent]]en season. [[Lent]] begins the following day with [[Ash Wednesday]]. Shrove Tuesday is observed in many [[Christian state|Christian countries]] through participating in [[Confession (religion)#Christianity|confession]], the ritual burning of the previous year's [[Holy Week]] palms, finalizing one's [[Lenten sacrifice]], as well as eating [[pancake]]s and other sweets.<ref name="Cocks1897"/><ref name="DSPNSDAPPC2019"/>

Shrove Tuesday is observed by many Christians, including [[Anglicans]], [[Lutherans]], [[Methodists]], [[Western Orthodox|Western-rite Orthodox Christians]], and [[Roman Catholics]],<ref>Walker, Katie (2011). [http://articles.dailyamerican.com/2011-03-07/news/29155052_1_pancake-dinner-pancake-day-shrove Shrove Tuesday inspires unique church traditions.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214030411/http://articles.dailyamerican.com/2011-03-07/news/29155052_1_pancake-dinner-pancake-day-shrove |date=14 i am February 2016 }}</ref> who "make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God's help in dealing with."<ref>Provine, Darren (2014). [http://elvis.rowan.edu/~kilroy/jek/LITCAL/ShroveTuesday.html Shrove Tuesday]</ref> This [[moveable feast]] is determined by [[date of Easter|the date]] of [[Easter]]. The expression "Shrove Tuesday" comes from the word ''[[wikt:en:shrive|shrive]]'', meaning [[absolution]] following confession.<ref name="Kane2023"/><ref name="Melitta Weiss Adamson, Francine Segan 2008">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PPDIx6WWuOQC&pg=PA354|title=Entertaining from Ancient Rome to the Super Bowl|author=Melitta Weiss Adamson; Francine Segan|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2008|quote=In Anglican countries, Mardis Gras is known as ''Shrove Tuesday''-from ''shrive'' meaning "confess"—or ''Pancake Tuesday''—after the breakfast food that symbolizes one final hearty meal of eggs, butter, and sugar before the fast. On Ash Wednesday, the morning after Mardi Gras, repentant Christians return to church to receive upon the forehead the sign of the cross in ashes.
|isbn=978-0313086892}}</ref> Christians traditionally visit their church on Shrove Tuesday to confess their sins and clean their soul, thus being ''shriven'' ([[Absolution|absolved]]) before the start of Lent.<ref name="Kane2023">{{cite web |last1=Kane |first1=Paul |title=Pancake Day facts! |url=https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/general-geography/shrove-tuesday-facts/ |publisher=[[National Geographic]] |access-date=13 February 2024 |language=English |date=15 December 2023}}</ref>

As this is the last day of the Christian liturgical season historically known as [[Carnival]] or [[Shrovetide]], before the penitential season of [[Lent]], related popular practices, such as indulging in food that one might give up as their [[Lenten sacrifice]] for the upcoming forty days, are associated with Shrove Tuesday celebrations. The term ''[[Mardi Gras]]'' is French for "Fat Tuesday", referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on [[Ash Wednesday]]. Many Christian congregations thus observe the day through eating pancakes or, more specifically, the holding of [[pancake breakfast]]s, as well as the ringing of [[church bell]]s to remind people to repent of their sins before the start of Lent.<ref name="Cocks1897"/><ref name="BUMC2014">{{cite web |title=Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast & Worship |url=https://www.bishopumc.org/shrove-tuesday-pancake-breakfast-worship/ |publisher=Bishop United Methodist Church |access-date=25 February 2020 |language=en |date=26 February 2014}}</ref> On Shrove Tuesday, churches also burn the palms distributed during the previous year's Palm Sunday liturgies to make the ashes used during the services held on the very next day, [[Ash Wednesday]].<ref name="DSPNSDAPPC2019">{{cite web |date=2 March 2019 |title=Shrove Tuesday burning of the Palms |url=https://aranzazushrine.ph/home/index.php/2019/03/02/shrove-tuesday-burning-of-the-palms/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107090742/https://aranzazushrine.ph/home/index.php/2019/03/02/shrove-tuesday-burning-of-the-palms/ |archive-date=7 November 2020 |access-date=4 April 2020 |website=aranzazushrine.ph |publisher=DSPNSDA PPC |language=en}}</ref>

In some Christian countries, especially those where the day is called [[Mardi Gras]] or a translation thereof, it is a [[carnival]] day, the last day of "fat eating" or "gorging" before the fasting period of Lent.<ref name="Melitta Weiss Adamson, Francine Segan 2008"/> Additionally, since 1958, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the [[Holy Face of Jesus|Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus]] on Shrove Tuesday.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tandirection.com/tradition-restored/the-holy-face-of-jesus-shrove-tuesday/|title=The Holy Face of Jesus: Shrove Tuesday|access-date=December 6, 2024|author=Fr. Lawrence Carney|date=21 February 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Matthew Plese|date=February 16, 2021|access-date=December 6, 2024|language=en-US|title=Reparation to the Holy Face on Shrove Tuesday|url=https://fatima.org/news-views/reparation-to-the-holy-face-on-shrove-tuesday/}}</ref>

==History==
The tradition of marking the start of Lent has been documented for centuries. [[Ælfric of Eynsham]]'s "Ecclesiastical Institutes" from around 1000 AD states: "In the week immediately before Lent everyone shall go to his confessor and confess his deeds and the confessor shall so shrive him as he then may hear by his deeds what he is to do [in the way of penance]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13763a.htm|title=Shrovetide|publisher=Catholic Encyclopedia|access-date=1 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914062042/http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13763a.htm|archive-date=14 September 2015}}</ref> By the time of the late [[Middle Ages]], the celebration of Shrovetide lasted until the start of Lent.<ref name=Self>{{cite book|title=One Hundred Readings for Assembly|first=David|last=Self|page=24|publisher=Heinemann|year=1993|isbn=978-0-435-80041-3}}</ref> 

During the liturgical season of Lent, believers have historically abstained from rich foods such as meat, eggs, lacticinia (dairy products), and alcohol—a practice that continues in [[Eastern Christianity]] (in denominations such as the [[Coptic Orthodox Church]]) and among [[Western Christianity|Western Christian]] congregations practicing the [[Daniel Fast]].<ref name="Samaan2024">{{cite web |last1=Samaan |first1=Moses |title=The Meaning of the Great Lent |url=https://www.lacopts.org/story/the-meaning-of-the-great-lent/ |publisher=[[Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California, and Hawaii]] |access-date=10 March 2024 |date=9 April 2009 |quote=The Church teaches us to fast until sunset. Fish is not allowed during this period. Also married couples should refrain from physical relations to give themselves time for fasting and prayer (1 Cor. 7: 5). We would like to emphasize the importance of the period of strict abstention during fasting. It is refraining from eating and drinking for a period of time, followed by eating vegetarian food. ... True fasting must be accompanied by abstention from food and drink until sunset as designated by the Church.}}</ref><ref name="RNS2013">{{cite news |title=Lent: Daniel Fast Gains Popularity |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/07/lent-daniel-fast-gains-popularity_n_2640352.html |accessdate=30 December 2018 |work=HuffPost |agency=Religion News Service |date=7 February 2013 |quote=In some cases, entire churches do the Daniel Fast together during Lent. The idea strikes a chord in Methodist traditions, which trace their heritage to John Wesley, a proponent of fasting. Leaders in the African Methodist Episcopal Church have urged churchgoers to do the Daniel Fast together, and congregations from Washington to Pennsylvania and Maryland have joined in.}}</ref><ref name="Hinton2016">{{cite web |last1=Hinton |first1=Carla |title=The Fast and the Faithful: Catholic parish in Oklahoma takes up Lenten discipline based on biblical Daniel's diet |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/religion/2016/02/20/fast-and-the-faithful-catholic-parish-oklahoma-takes-lenten-discipline-based-biblical-daniels-diet/60691130007/ |publisher=[[The Oklahoman]] |access-date=27 March 2022 |language=English |date=20 February 2016 |quote=Many parishioners at St. Philip Neri are participating in the Daniel fast, a religious diet program based on the fasting experiences of the Old Testament prophet Daniel. ... participating parishioners started the fast Ash Wednesday (Feb. 10) and will continue through Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.}}</ref> Shrovetide provided Christians with the opportunity to use up these foods prior to the start of the 40-day fasting season of Lent.<ref name="Campbell2005">{{cite book |last1=Campbell |first1=Georgina |title=The Best of Irish Breads and Baking: Traditional, Contemporary and Festive |date=May 2005 |publisher=Georgina Campbell Guides |isbn=978-1-903164-15-0 |page=106 |language=en |quote=Until relatively recently, the Lenten fast was taken so seriously in Ireland that it meant abstaining not only from meat but also eggs and all milk products. The tradition of making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday) came about as a practical way of using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter which would otherwise go to waste. Most Irish families still make pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and the tradition of tossing pancakes not only survives but actually thrives, providing voter-friendly photo opportunities for politicians and commercial opportunities for the catering trade. }}</ref><ref name="Butler">{{cite book |last1=Butler |first1=Alban |title=The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church |date=1839 |publisher=James Duffy |location=[[Dublin]] |page=144-146 |language=en|quote=The primitive Christians in Lent broke their fast only after sunset, and then usually only with herbs, roots, and bread. At least all were obliged to abstain not only from flesh meat, but also from fish, and whatever had life; also whatever is derived from flesh, as eggs, milk, cheese, butter, according to the ancient canon. Likewise from wine, which in the primitive ages was no less forbidden on all fasting days than the use of flesh meat itself ... Some mitigations were introduced in part of abstinence in the sixth century ... Fish was in the same age allowed, but not of the dearer and more dainty kinds.}}</ref><ref name="Butler1774">{{cite book |last1=Butler |first1=Alban |title=The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church |date=1774 |publisher=C. Kiernan |page=257 |language=en |quote=It is undoubted, that anciently to drink on fasting days was no less forbid than to eat, only in the refection after sunset.}}</ref> Prior to the 6th century, Lent was normatively observed through the practice of the Black Fast, which enjoins fasting from food and liquids, with the allowance of one [[Christian vegetarianism|vegetarian]] meal after sunset.<ref name="Butler">{{cite book |last1=Butler |first1=Alban |title=The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church |date=1839 |publisher=James Duffy |location=[[Dublin]] |page=144-146 |language=en|quote=The primitive Christians in Lent broke their fast only after sunset, and then usually only with herbs, roots, and bread. At least all were obliged to abstain not only from flesh meat, but also from fish, and whatever had life; also whatever is derived from flesh, as eggs, milk, cheese, butter, according to the ancient canon. Likewise from wine, which in the primitive ages was no less forbidden on all fasting days than the use of flesh meat itself ... Some mitigations were introduced in part of abstinence in the sixth century ... Fish was in the same age allowed, but not of the dearer and more dainty kinds.}}</ref><ref name="Kiernan">{{cite book |last1=Butler |first1=Alban |title=The Moveable Feasts, Fasts, and Other Annual Observances of the Catholic Church |date=1774 |publisher=C. Kiernan |page=257 |language=en |quote=It is undoubted, that anciently to drink on fasting days was no less forbid than to eat, only in the refection after sunset.}}</ref> The tradition of [[pancake breakfast]]s during Shrovetide, as well as that of pancake races, owes itself to this practice of "using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter" prior to Lent.<ref name="Campbell2005"/><ref name="CollinsMartin2005">{{cite book|last1=Collins|first1=Tony|last2=Martin|first2=John|last3=Vamplew|first3=Wray|title=Encyclopedia of Traditional British Rural Sports|year=2005|publisher=Psychology Press|language=en |isbn=978-0415352246|page=202|quote=The association between pancakes and Shrove Tuesday appears to have its origins in the fact that the pancakes used up food such as butter, eggs and fat that were prohibited during Lent, which begins the following day on Ash Wednesday. ... Pancakes have been eaten on Shrove Tuesday since at least the sixteenth century. In some parishes, it was the custom for the church bell to ring at noon as the signal for people to begin frying their pancakes. }}</ref> As such, it was traditional in many societies to eat pancakes or other foods made with the butter, eggs and fat or lard that would need to be used up before the beginning of Lent. Similar foods are [[Fasnacht (doughnut)|fasnachts]] and [[pączki]].<ref name="CollinsMartin2005"/> The specific custom of British Christians eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday dates to the 16th century.<ref name="CollinsMartin2005">{{cite book|last1=Collins|first1=Tony|last2=Martin|first2=John|last3=Vamplew|first3=Wray|title=Encyclopedia of Traditional British Rural Sports|year=2005|publisher=Psychology Press|language=en |isbn=978-0415352246|page=202|quote=The association between pancakes and Shrove Tuesday appears to have its origins in the fact that the pancakes used up food such as butter, eggs and fat that were prohibited during Lent, which begins the following day on Ash Wednesday. ... Pancakes have been eaten on Shrove Tuesday since at least the sixteenth century. In some parishes, it was the custom for the church bell to ring at noon as the signal for people to begin frying their pancakes. }}</ref> 

Along with its emphasis on feasting, another theme of Shrove Tuesday involves Christians [[Repentance (Christianity)|repenting]] of their sins in preparation to begin the season of Lent in the Christian [[liturgical calendar]].<ref name="Stephens">{{cite book|last=Stephens|first=Valerie|title=Basic Philosophy|year=2016|language=en |isbn=978-1329951747|page=21|quote=Then there is Shrove Tuesday, which is the day observed before Ash Wednesday or Lent. Shrove Tuesday derives from the days when the earliest practising Christians would repent of their sins and be "shriven" or pardoned.}}</ref> In many Christian parish churches, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, a popular Shrove Tuesday tradition is the ringing of the [[church bell]]s (on this day, the toll is known as the Shriving Bell) "to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent" and for people to "begin frying their pancakes".<ref name="Cocks1897">{{cite book|last=Cocks|first=Alfred Heneage|title=The church bells of Buckinghamshire: their inscriptions, founders, and uses, and traditions; &c|year=1897|publisher=Jarrold & sons|language=en |page=276}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Pulleyn |first=William |title=The Etymological Compendium, Or Portfolio of Origins and Inventions |year=1828|publisher=[[Richard Griffin and Company]]|language=en |page=192}}</ref>

==Terminology==
[[File:Boris Kustodiev - Shrovetide - Google Art Project.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Russian artist [[Boris Kustodiev]]'s ''[[Maslenitsa]]'' (1916)]]
[[File:Zapusty-w-Podmoklach-Wielkich 1950.jpg|thumb|Shrove Tuesday, {{Interlanguage link|Bear guiding|pl|3=Wodzenie niedźwiedzia}} in [[Poland]] (1950)]]
The word ''shrove'' is a form of the English word ''shrive'', which means to give [[absolution]] for someone's [[sin]]s by way of [[Confession (religion)|Confession]] and doing [[penance]]. Thus Shrove Tuesday was named after the custom of Christians to be "shriven" before the start of Lent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13763a.htm|title= Catholic Encyclopedia: Shrovetide|access-date=2 October 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018210012/http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13763a.htm|archive-date=18 October 2014}}</ref>

In the [[United Kingdom]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] and parts of the [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]], Shrove Tuesday is also known as '''Pancake Day''' or '''Pancake Tuesday''', as it became a traditional custom to eat [[pancake]]s as a meal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spinsouthwest.com/lifestyle/5-best-pancake-recipes-ahead-pancake-tuesday-832037|title=The 5 Best Pancake Recipes Ahead Of Pancake Tuesday|first=Nelius|last=Stackpoole|website=SPINSouthWest}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Shrove Tuesday – Pancake Day! | work = Irish Culture and Customs | url = http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/ShroveTues.html | access-date = 17 November 2006 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061209044318/http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACalend/ShroveTues.html | archive-date = 9 December 2006 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) in the UK | work = British Embassy, Washington DC | url = http://www.britainusa.com/sections/articles_show_nt1.asp?d=0&i=60062&L1=0&L2=0&a=41276| access-date =  17 November 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070223204148/http://www.britainusa.com/sections/articles_show_nt1.asp?d=0&i=60062&L1=0&L2=0&a=41276 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 23 February 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Easter in Australia | work = The Australian Government Culture and Recreation Portal | url = http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/easter/ | access-date = 17 November 2006 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061007013323/http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/easter/ | archive-date = 7 October 2006 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=Self/> In [[Irish language|Irish]] the day is known as {{lang|ga|Máirt Inide}}, from the [[Latin]] {{lang|la|initium (Jejūniī)}}, "beginning of [[Lent]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.potafocal.com/thes/?s=Inid|title=Pota Focal &#124; Inid|website=Pota Focal}}</ref>  Elsewhere, the day has also been called "''[[Mardi Gras]]''", meaning "Fat Tuesday", after the type of celebratory meal that day.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wBYbL5EEd8gC&q=shrove+tuesday&pg=PT2|title=Love Life Live Lent Family Book: Transform Your World|year=2008|publisher=Church House Publishing|isbn=978-0-7151-4182-3|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228080612/https://books.google.com/books?id=wBYbL5EEd8gC&pg=PT2&dq=shrove+tuesday&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiv7-Kp4rDSAhUE2IMKHaQkCWU4FBDoAQgvMAQ#v=onepage&q=shrove%20tuesday&f=false|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref><!-- Comment This is an eBook, so there are no page numbers.-->

In [[Germany]], the day is known as '''Fastnachtsdienstag''', '''Faschingsdienstag''', '''Karnevalsdienstag''' or '''Veilchendienstag''' (the last of which translates to violet [the flower] Tuesday). It is celebrated with fancy dress and a partial school holiday. Similarly, in [[German American]] areas, such as [[Pennsylvania Dutch Country]], it is known as [[Fastnacht Day]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Csr6aNdLiyoC&q=shrove+tuesday&pg=PA7|title=Eastertide in Pennsylvania: A Folk-cultural Study|last=Shoemaker|first=Alfred Lewis|page=8|year=2000|publisher=Stackpole Books|isbn=978-0-8117-0548-6|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228080714/https://books.google.com/books?id=Csr6aNdLiyoC&pg=PA7&dq=shrove%20tuesday&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjq4__q4LDSAhWq5oMKHUcjDg84ChDoAQhGMAk#v=onepage&q=shrove%20tuesday&f=false|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref>

In the [[Netherlands]], it is known as "vastenavond", or in [[Limburgish language|Limburgish dialect]] "{{lang|li|vastelaovend}}", though the word "{{lang|li|vastelaovend}}" usually refers to the entire period of [[carnival in the Netherlands]].<ref name=festivals>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lHl61M4-nhwC&q=shrove+tuesday&pg=PT133|title=Festivals of Western Europe|last=Spicer|first=Dorothy Gladys|year=1973|publisher=Library of Alexandria|isbn=978-1-4655-7999-7|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228083141/https://books.google.com/books?id=lHl61M4-nhwC&pg=PT133&dq=shrove+tuesday&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwir_ZfA6bDSAhUI6IMKHcsdA3A45gEQ6AEILDAD#v=onepage&q=shrove%20tuesday&f=false|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref><!-- Comment This is an eBook and has no page numbers.--> In some parts of [[Switzerland]] (e.g. [[Lucerne]]), the day is called '''Güdeldienstag''' or '''Güdisdienstag''' (preceded by Güdismontag). According to the [[Duden]] dictionary, the term derives from "Güdel", which means a fat belly stuffed full of food.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Guedeldienstag |title=Güdeldienstag |publisher=Duden |access-date=9 February 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223112726/http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Guedeldienstag |archive-date=23 February 2016 }}</ref>

In [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]-, [[Spanish language|Spanish]]- and [[Italian language|Italian]]-speaking countries, among others, it is known as [[Carnival]] (to use the [[English language|English]] spelling). This derives from Medieval Latin {{lang|la|carnelevamen}} ("the putting away of flesh")<ref>[[American Heritage Dictionary]]</ref> and thus to another aspect of the Lenten fast, to abstain from eating meat. It is often celebrated with street processions or fancy dress.<ref name=festivals/>

The most famous of these events has become the [[Brazilian Carnival]] in [[Rio de Janeiro]]. Venetians have long celebrated carnival with a [[Carnival of Venice|masquerade]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://venice-carnival.org/en/approfondimento/9/history-of-venice-carnival.html|title=History of Venice Carnival|publisher=Oltrex|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228083134/http://venice-carnival.org/en/approfondimento/9/history-of-venice-carnival.html|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref> The use of the term "carnival" in other contexts derives from this celebration. In Spain, the Carnival Tuesday is named "día de la tortilla" ("omelette day"): an omelette made with some sausage or pork fat is eaten. On the Portuguese island of [[Madeira]], ''[[malasada]]s'' are eaten on ''Terça-feira Gorda'' (Fat Tuesday in English), which is also the last day of the [[Carnival of Madeira]]. Malasadas were cooked in order to use up all the lard and sugar in the house, in preparation for Lenten restrictions.<ref name=metro>{{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/02/26/this-is-what-people-eat-on-shrove-tuesday-around-the-world-6458788/|title=This is what people eat on Shrove Tuesday around the world|newspaper=Metro|date=26 February 2016|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227021804/http://metro.co.uk/2017/02/26/this-is-what-people-eat-on-shrove-tuesday-around-the-world-6458788/|archive-date=27 February 2017}}</ref> This tradition was taken to [[Hawaii]], where Shrove Tuesday is known as '''Malasada Day''', which dates back to the days of the sugar plantations of the 1800s. The resident Catholic [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] workers (who came mostly from Madeira and the [[Azores]]) used up butter and sugar prior to Lent by making large batches of ''malasadas''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://leonardshawaii.com/malasada-day/|title=Malasada Day|publisher=Leonard's Bakery|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228085906/http://leonardshawaii.com/malasada-day/|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref>

In the Lutheran countries of [[Denmark]] and [[Norway]], the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is called ''Fetetirsdag'' ("Fat Tuesday"); the prior weekend is known as ''Fastelavn'' and is marked by eating ''fastelavnsboller''. Fastelavn is the name for Carnival in Denmark, held either on the Sunday or [[Shrove Monday|Monday before]] Ash Wednesday.<ref name="Nielsen2020">{{cite web |last1=Nielsen |first1=Anne-Grethe Krogh |title=Giving in or letting go? |url=https://www.danishchurchsocal.com/sermons/2020/3/3/giving-in-or-letting-go |publisher=The Danish Lutheran Church and Cultural Center of Southern California |language=English |date=3 March 2020 |quote=Fastelavn is an old Christian Celebration to begin the time of lent with a big celebration of joy, food and laughter. As the time of Lent was more humble, subtle and abstinent, the evening or the day before Lent began was to be fun and filled with good food for the stomach and for the soul.}}</ref> This holiday occurs seven weeks before Easter Sunday, with children dressing up in costumes and gathering treats for the Fastelavn feast. The holiday is generally considered to be a time for children's fun and family games and on Shrove Sunday, "the churches hold a special family service where children are invited to wear fancy dress."<ref name="ELCD2021">{{cite web |title=Shrovetide|url=https://www.lutheranchurch.dk/liturgy-and-worship/festivals-and-traditions/shrovetide |publisher=[[Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark]] |access-date=8 February 2021 |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://danishhomeofchicago.org/2014/02/20/fastelavn-celebration/|title=Fastelavn celebration|publisher=Danish Home of Chicago|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228092515/http://danishhomeofchicago.org/2014/02/20/fastelavn-celebration/|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref> 
[[File:Fettisdagsgubbar från Alfta socken, Hälsingland - Nordiska Museet - NMA.0052684.jpg|thumb|People in [[Alfta]], Sweden, masquerading as ''Fettisdagsgubbar'' in traditional celebration of Shrove Tuesday. ]]
In [[Iceland]], the day is known as ''Sprengidagur'' (Bursting Day) and is marked by eating salted meat and peas.<ref name="metro" /> In [[Lithuania]], the day is called {{lang|lt|[[Užgavėnės]]}}. People eat [[pancake]]s (''blynai'') and Lithuanian-style [[doughnut]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lithuanianmha.org/holiday-traditions/uzgavenes/|title=Užgavėnės|date=22 December 2013|publisher=Lithuanian Music Hall Association|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228081331/http://lithuanianmha.org/holiday-traditions/uzgavenes/|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitlithuania.net/index.php/component/content/article/107-festivals/353-the-shrove-festivalfebruary-.html|title=The Shrove Festival (February)|publisher=visit Lithuania.com|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228081847/http://www.visitlithuania.net/index.php/component/content/article/107-festivals/353-the-shrove-festivalfebruary-.html|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref> 

In [[Sweden]], the day is called ''Fettisdagen'' (Fat Tuesday), and is generally celebrated by eating a type of [[almond paste]]-filled [[sweet roll]] called {{lang|sv|[[semla]]}} or {{lang|sv|fastlagsbulle}}.<ref name="metro" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swedishfood.com/swedish-food-recipes-biscuits-cakes/130-lent-buns-semlor|title=Lent Buns (Semlor)|publisher=swedishfood.com|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228092054/http://www.swedishfood.com/swedish-food-recipes-biscuits-cakes/130-lent-buns-semlor|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref> In [[Finland]], the day is called {{lang|fi|[[laskiainen]]}} and is generally celebrated by eating green pea soup and {{lang|sv|semla}}, in Finland known as {{lang|fi|laskiaispulla}} or {{lang|sv-fi|fastlagsbulle}}, and typically filled with whipped cream and jam or almond paste. In [[Estonia]], the day is similarly called {{lang|ee|Vastlapäev}} and is generally celebrated by eating pea soup and whipped-cream or jam and whipped-cream filled sweet-buns called ''vastlakukkel'', similar to the {{lang|sv|semla}}. Children also typically go sledding on this day.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cfldAgAAQBAJ&q=Vastlap%C3%A4ev&pg=PA118|title=Complete Estonian: Teach Yourself|page=118|publisher=Hachette|year=2012|isbn=978-1-444-17349-9|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228085231/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=cfldAgAAQBAJ&lpg=PA118&dq=Vastlap%C3%A4ev&pg=PA118|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref><ref>[http://www.finnfaca.org/facamembership.html Laskiainen], Finnish-American Cultural Activities.</ref>

In [[Poland]], a related celebration falls on the Thursday before [[Ash Wednesday]] and is called {{lang|pl|tłusty czwartek}} ([[Fat Thursday]]). In some areas of the [[United States]] with large Polish-American communities, such as [[Chicago]], [[Milwaukee]], [[Detroit]], and [[Buffalo, New York|Buffalo]], '''Tłusty Czwartek''' is celebrated with {{lang|pl|[[pączki]]}} or {{lang|pl|[[faworki]]}} eating contests, music and other Polish food. It may be held on Shrove Tuesday or in the days immediately preceding it.<ref>[http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/local/paczski-day-celebrated-by-wny-polish] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216215618/http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/local/paczski-day-celebrated-by-wny-polish|date=16 February 2015}}</ref>

In [[Slovenia]], [[Kurentovanje]] is also the biggest and best known carnival.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/03/travel/10-reasons-to-visit-slovenia-in-2015/index.html|title=10 Reasons to Visit Slovenia in 2015|publisher=CNN|author=Isalaska, Anita|date=4 March 2015|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228090313/http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/03/travel/10-reasons-to-visit-slovenia-in-2015/index.html|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref> There are several more local carnivals usually referred to as [[Laufarija]]. In [[Hungary]], and the Hungarian-speaking territories, it is called {{interlanguage link|Húshagyókedd|hu}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://welovebudapest.com/budapest.and.hungary/explainer.farsang.celebrations.in.hungary|title=Explainer: Farsang celebrations in Hungary|author=Amon, Ildi|date=27 January 2015|publisher=welovebudapest.com|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216122931/http://welovebudapest.com/budapest.and.hungary/explainer.farsang.celebrations.in.hungary|archive-date=16 February 2017}}</ref> ({{literally|the Tuesday leaving the meat}}) and is celebrated by fancy dress and visiting neighbours.

==Traditions==
Shrove Tuesday serves a dual purpose of allowing Christians to repent of any sins they might have committed before the start of [[Lent]] on the next day [[Ash Wednesday]] and giving them the opportunity to engage in a last round of merriment before the start of the somber Lenten season, which is characterized by making a [[Lenten sacrifice]], [[fasting]], [[Christian prayer|praying]] and engaging in various [[Spiritual practice#Christianity|spiritual disciplines]], such as marking a [[Lenten calendar]], fasting, abstaining from luxuries, and reading a [[daily devotional]].<ref name="Kelvey2018"/>

The Lenten [[Christian fasting|fast]] traditionally emphasizes eating simpler, [[Christian vegetarianism|vegetarian]] food, and refraining from food that would give undue pleasure; as such, Christians historically abstained from meat, eggs and lacticinia (dairy products) during the 40-day fasting season of Lent—a practice that continues in [[Eastern Christianity]] and among [[Western Christianity|Western Christian]] congregations practicing the [[Daniel Fast]].<ref name="Samaan2024"/><ref name="RNS2013"/><ref name="Hinton2016"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abbamoses.com/fasting.html|title=The Fasting Rule of the Orthodox Church|website=www.abbamoses.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808184207/http://www.abbamoses.com/fasting.html|archive-date=8 August 2017}}</ref> Pancakes are associated with Shrove Tuesday, the day preceding Lent, because they are a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent.<ref name="Campbell2005">{{cite book |last1=Campbell |first1=Georgina |title=The Best of Irish Breads and Baking: Traditional, Contemporary and Festive |date=May 2005 |publisher=Georgina Campbell Guides |isbn=978-1-903164-15-0 |page=106 |language=en |quote=Until relatively recently, the Lenten fast was taken so seriously in Ireland that it meant abstaining not only from meat but also eggs and all milk products. The tradition of making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday) came about as a practical way of using up the surplus eggs, milk and butter which would otherwise go to waste. Most Irish families still make pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and the tradition of tossing pancakes not only survives but actually thrives, providing voter-friendly photo opportunities for politicians and commercial opportunities for the catering trade. }}</ref>

In [[Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland]] and [[Cape Breton Island]], small tokens are frequently cooked in the pancakes. Children take delight in discovering the objects, which are intended to be divinatory. For example, the person who receives a coin will be wealthy; a nail indicates that they will become or marry a carpenter.<ref>{{cite web | title = Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage | url = http://www.heritage.nf.ca/society/custom.html | access-date = 8 March 2011 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110308095324/http://www.heritage.nf.ca/society/custom.html | archive-date = 8 March 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Its Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Day|url=http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Columnists/2010-02-16/article-1501924/Its-Shrove-Tuesday-and-Pancake-Day/1|publisher=Cape Breton Post|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305215127/http://www.capebretonpost.com/Opinion/Columnists/2010-02-16/article-1501924/Its-Shrove-Tuesday-and-Pancake-Day/1|archive-date=5 March 2014}}</ref>

===Observances===
[[File:Luther-kirkko, rippituoli.jpg|thumb|300px|On Shrove Tuesday, many Christians [[Confession (religion)|confess their sins]], in preparation for Lent; depicted is an Evangelical Lutheran confessional in [[:fi:Luther-kirkko (Helsinki)|Luther Church]] ([[Helsinki]], Finland)]]
On the final day of Shrovetide, Shrove Tuesday, many traditional Christians, such as [[Anglicans]], [[Lutherans]], [[Methodists]] and [[Roman Catholics]],<ref name="Walker2011">{{cite web|url=http://articles.dailyamerican.com/2011-03-07/news/29155052_1_pancake-dinner-pancake-day-shrove|title=Shrove Tuesday inspires unique church traditions|last=Walker|first=Katie|date=7 March 2011|publisher=Daily American|access-date=4 January 2016|quote=Many local churches will celebrate Shrove Tuesday tomorrow, a day of feasting commonly known as "pancake day." Shrove Tuesday is typically observed by Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist and Catholic denominations, but each church celebrates the day in its own, unique way. The Rev. Lenny Anderson of the St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Somerset said the primary focus of Shrove Tuesday is to prepare for Lent, the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter.|archive-date=14 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214030411/http://articles.dailyamerican.com/2011-03-07/news/29155052_1_pancake-dinner-pancake-day-shrove|url-status=dead}}</ref> "make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God's help in dealing with."<ref>{{cite book|title=Shrove Tuesday|last=Kiefer|first=James|publisher=Rowan University}}</ref> As such, many churches offer [[Confession]] on Shrove Tuesday.<ref name="Lebanon2024">{{cite web |title=Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday Services |url=https://www.lebanonlutheranchurch.org/shrove-tuesday-and-ash-wednesday-services/ |publisher=Lebanon Lutheran Church |access-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216042727/https://www.lebanonlutheranchurch.org/shrove-tuesday-and-ash-wednesday-services/ |archive-date=16 February 2024 |date=6 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Shrove Tuesday |url=https://www.shepherdinthefalls.com/events/shrove-tuesday|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327164804/https://www.shepherdinthefalls.com/events/shrove-tuesday|archivedate=27 March 2022 |publisher=Church of the Good Shepherd |access-date=16 February 2021 |url-status=usurped |language=English}}</ref><ref name="NWF2014">{{cite web |title=Special events, services for Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday |url=https://www.nwfdailynews.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2014/02/28/1-284363/33978234007/ |publisher=[[Northwest Florida Daily News]] |access-date=16 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608143052/https://www.nwfdailynews.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2014/02/28/1-284363/33978234007/ |archive-date=8 June 2023 |date=28 February 2014}}</ref>

On Shrove Tuesday, many Christians finalize their decision with respect to what [[Lenten sacrifice]]s they will make for Lent.<ref name="JKelvey2018">{{cite web |last1=Kelvey |first1=Jon |title=Strawbridge United Methodist keeps Shrove Tuesday pancake tradition |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll/news/cc-shrove-tuesday-pancakes-20180213-story.html |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |access-date=25 February 2020 |language=en |date=13 February 2018}}</ref> While making a Lenten sacrifice, it is customary to [[Christian prayer|pray]] for strength to keep it; many often wish others for doing so as well, e.g. "May God bless your Lenten sacrifice."<ref>{{cite web |title=What is Shrove Tuesday? Meaning, Traditions, and 2021 Date |url=https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-shrove-tuesday-meaning-and-holiday-date.html |publisher=[[Christianity.com]] |access-date=16 February 2021 |language=English |quote=While undergoing a Lenten sacrifice, it is helpful to pray for strength; and encouraging fellow Christians in their fast saying, for example: "May God bless your Lenten sacrifice."}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Prayer for Lenten Sacrifice |url=http://dioscg.org/prayer-for-lenten-sacrifice/ |publisher=[[Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield–Cape Girardeau]] |access-date=24 February 2020}}</ref>

During Shrovetide, many churches place a basket in the [[narthex]] to collect the previous year's [[Holy Week]] palm branches that were blessed and distributed during the [[Palm Sunday]] liturgies; on Shrove Tuesday, churches burn these [[Palm branch|palms]] to make the ashes used during the services held on the very next day, Ash Wednesday.<ref name="DSPNSDAPPC2019"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Shrove Tuesday |url=https://www.timesreporter.com/news/20200218/good-day |publisher=[[The Times-Reporter]] |access-date=4 April 2020 |language=en |date=18 February 2020 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806074002/https://www.timesreporter.com/news/20200218/good-day |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Festivities===
[[File:Foot Ball, Kingston-upon-Thames, Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 24th, 1846.jpg|thumb|250px|Football match in the 1846 Shrove Tuesday in [[Kingston upon Thames]], England]]
In the [[United Kingdom]], as part of community celebration, many towns held traditional Shrove Tuesday "[[mob football]]" games, some dating as far back as the 17th century.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilks |first=Jon |title=Customs uncovered: Pancake Day and Shrove Tuesday |url=https://tradfolk.co/customs/pancake-day-shrove-tuesday/ |access-date=28 February 2022 |website=Tradfolk |date=28 February 2022 |language=en-GB}}</ref> The practice mostly died out in the 19th century after the passing of the [[Highway Act 1835]] which banned playing football on public highways.<ref>{{cite book|title=The British Olympics: Britain's Olympic Heritage 1612–2012 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k0rCTsicBa8C&pg=PA31 |page=31|first=Martin|last=Polley|publisher=English Heritage|year=2013|isbn=978-1-848-02226-3}}</ref> A number of towns have maintained the tradition, including [[Alnwick]] in [[Northumberland]] ([[Scoring the Hales]]),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-31510154|title=Hundreds gather for Alnwick Shrovetide game|work=BBC News|date=17 February 2015|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212104853/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-31510154|archive-date=12 December 2016}}</ref> [[Ashbourne, Derbyshire|Ashbourne]] in [[Derbyshire]] (called the [[Royal Shrovetide Football]]),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-35523486|title=Ashbourne Shrovetide Football: Up'Ards take honours on first day|work=BBC News|date=9 February 2016|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219030728/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-35523486|archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> [[Atherstone]] in [[Warwickshire]] (called simply the [[Atherstone Ball Game]]),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/coventry/features/local-history/shrove-tuesday-in-atherstone.shtml|title=Dive for cover – it's the Atherstone Ball Game!|work=BBC News|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107223611/http://www.bbc.co.uk/coventry/features/local-history/shrove-tuesday-in-atherstone.shtml|archive-date=7 November 2015}}</ref> [[St Columb Major]] in [[Cornwall]] (called [[Hurling the Silver Ball]]), and [[Sedgefield]] in [[County Durham]] ([[Sedgefield Ball Game]]).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/united-kingdom/articles/Shrove-Tuesday-pancake-day-events/|title=Shrove Tuesday events|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=3 March 2014|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228083609/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/united-kingdom/articles/Shrove-Tuesday-pancake-day-events/|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref>

Shrove Tuesday was once known as a "half-holiday" in Britain. It started at 11:00&nbsp;am with the ringing of a church bell.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cooksguide.co.uk |title=Cooks Guide |publisher=Cooks Guide |access-date=28 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404152959/http://www.cooksguide.co.uk/ |archive-date=4 April 2014 }}</ref> On Pancake Day, "pancake races" are held in villages and towns across the United Kingdom. The tradition is said to have originated in 1445 when a housewife from [[Olney, Buckinghamshire]], was so busy making pancakes that she forgot the time until she heard the [[church bell]]s ringing for the service. She raced out of the house to church while still carrying her [[frying pan]] and pancake, tossing it to prevent it from burning.<ref name=bbc>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/holydays/lent_1.shtml |title=The origin of pancake racing |publisher=BBC |access-date=28 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305125927/http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/holydays/lent_1.shtml |archive-date=5 March 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Ideas/Album/Olney-Pancake-Race.htm|title=Olney Pancake Race|work=ukstudentlife.com|access-date=17 February 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729191727/http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Ideas/Album/Olney-Pancake-Race.htm|archive-date=29 July 2015}}</ref> The pancake race remains a relatively common festive tradition in the UK, especially [[England]]. Participants with frying pans race through the streets tossing pancakes into the air and catching them in the pan while running.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NWu6sLJn7-kC&q=%22shrove%20tuesday%22%20pancake%20race&pg=PA202|title=Encyclopedia of Traditional British Rural Sports|editor1=Tony Collins|editor2=John Martin|editor3=Wray Vamplew|page=202|publisher=Psychology Press|year=2005|isbn=978-0-415-35224-6|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228082845/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=NWu6sLJn7-kC&lpg=PA202&dq=%22shrove%20tuesday%22%20pancake%20race&pg=PA202|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref> The pancake race at Olney traditionally has women contestants who carry a frying pan and race over a {{Convert|415|yd|adj=on}} course to the finishing line. The rules are strict: contestants must toss the pancake at the start and the finish, and wear a scarf and apron.<ref name=bbc/>

Since 1950, the people of [[Liberal, Kansas]], and Olney have held the "International Pancake Day" race between the two towns. The two towns' competitors race along an agreed-upon measured course. The times of the two towns' competitors are compared to determine a winner overall. As of 2021, Liberal leads the competition with 38 wins to Olney's 31.<ref>{{cite web |title=Race Results {{!}} Olney Pancake Race |url=http://olneypancakerace.org/race-results/ |access-date=29 July 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226190625/http://olneypancakerace.org/race-results/ |archive-date=26 February 2021}}</ref> A similar race is held in [[North Somercotes]] in [[Lincolnshire]], England.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://parishes.lincolnshire.gov.uk/NorthSomercotes/index.asp?docId=53806|title=Welcome to Our Village|publisher=North Somercoates Parish Council|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228091010/http://parishes.lincolnshire.gov.uk/NorthSomercotes/index.asp?docId=53806|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref>

In London, the Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race takes place every Shrove Tuesday, with teams from the British lower house (the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]]), the upper house (the [[House of Lords]]), and the [[Fourth Estate]], contending for the title of Parliamentary Pancake Race Champions. The fun relay race is to raise awareness of Rehab, which provides a range of health and social care, training, education, and employment services in the UK for disabled people and others who are marginalised.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/02/09/mps-had-a-pancake-race-and-it-got-a-bit-rowdy-5671623/|title=MPs had a pancake race and it got a bit rowdy|newspaper=Metro|date=9 February 2016|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228075039/http://metro.co.uk/2016/02/09/mps-had-a-pancake-race-and-it-got-a-bit-rowdy-5671623/|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Olney Pancake Race 2009.jpg|thumb|left|250px|A [[pancake]] race in [[Olney, Buckinghamshire]], 2009]]
[[Scarborough, North Yorkshire|Scarborough]] celebrates by closing the foreshore to all traffic, closing schools early, and inviting all to skip. Traditionally, long ropes were used from the nearby harbour. The [[town crier]] rang the pancake bell, situated on the corner of Westborough (main street) and Huntriss Row. Since 1996 a replica "pancake bell" situated at Newborough and North Street has been rung to initiate the day's festivities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scarboroughuk.co.uk/2015/02/skipping-day-2015-shrove-tuesday.html|title=Skipping Day 2015|publisher=Scarborough.uk|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228084813/http://www.scarboroughuk.co.uk/2015/02/skipping-day-2015-shrove-tuesday.html|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref>

Shrove Tuesday in England often involved a form of ritual begging, not dissimilar to [[wassailing]], in which children and adolescents would go door-to-door asking for tidbits from the frying pan. If the household was not forthcoming, they could expect levels of mischief, including the pelting of their house, knock and run, or gate stealing. This was known as Lent Crocking, Nicky-Nan Night, the Drawing of Cloam, Dappy-Door Night, or Pan Sharding.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilks |first=Jon |date= 28 February 2022|title=Customs uncovered: Pancake Day and Shrove Tuesday |url=https://tradfolk.co/customs/pancake-day-shrove-tuesday/ |access-date=28 February 2022 |website=Tradfolk |language=en-GB}}</ref> The children of the hamlet of [[Whitechapel, Lancashire]], keep alive a local variant of this tradition by visiting local households and asking "please a pancake", to be rewarded with oranges or sweets. It is thought this local tradition arose when farm workers visited the wealthier farm and manor owners to ask for pancakes or pancake fillings.<ref>(7 February 2008), [http://www.longridgenews.co.uk/features/Pancake-traditions-in-village.3756253.jp "Pancake traditions in village"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828140439/http://www.longridgenews.co.uk/features/Pancake-traditions-in-village.3756253.jp |date=28 August 2008 }}, ''Longridge News'', accessed 16 June 2010</ref>

In Ireland, the observance of fasting at Lent continued up to the 20th century, with Shrove Tuesday ({{Langx|ga|Máirt na hInide}},<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zxfNCQAAQBAJ&dq=M%C3%A1irt+na+hInide&pg=PT145|title=Impreasin na Gaeilge I – Z: (Fuaim na Gaeilge)|first=Seosamh Mac|last=Ionnrachtaigh|date=2 June 2015|publisher=AuthorHouse|isbn=9781496984203 |via=Google Books}}</ref> "Tuesday of the [[wikt:initium|initium]]")<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H2RiAAAAMAAJ&q=M%C3%A1irt+na+hInide+initium|title=The Language of Kilkenny: Lexicon, Semantics, Structures|first=Séamas|last=Moylan|date=7 February 1996|publisher=Geography Publications|isbn=9780906602706 |via=Google Books}}</ref> marking the last day of the consumption of [[meat]] for the Lenten period. This was later relaxed, but with three days of fasting observed, Ash Wednesday, [[Holy Wednesday|Spy Wednesday]], and Good Friday. It was a tradition that the eldest unmarried daughter would toss the first pancake. If the pancake fell on the floor, she would remain unmarried for the next 12 months. As marriages were not traditionally permitted during the Lenten period, as decreed by the [[Council of Trent]], weddings on Shrove Tuesday were popular.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Mahon|first=Bríd|title=Land of milk and honey : the story of traditional Irish food and drink|date=1998|publisher=Mercier Press|isbn=1-85635-210-2|location=Dublin [Ireland]|pages=124–125|oclc=39935389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Hickey|first=Margaret|title=Ireland's green larder : the definitive history of Irish food and drink|date=2019|publisher=Unbound|isbn=978-1-78352-799-1|edition=[Paperback edition]|location=London|pages=301|oclc=1085196202}}</ref> In some parts of Ireland the [[holly]] from Christmas was saved and burnt in the fire for the pancakes. The night was also known as "Skellig Night" in [[County Cork|Counties Cork]] and [[County Kerry|Kerry]], during the celebrations, those who were unmarried were taunted with jeers and singing.<ref>{{Cite web|last=McGarry|first=Marion|date=15 February 2021|title=The weird historic traditions around Pancake Tuesday in Ireland|url=https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2020/0224/1117313-pancake-shrove-tuesday-ireland-folklore-history/|access-date=16 February 2021|website=RTÉ Brainstorm}}</ref>

Thin pancakes called [[blini]] are traditional in Christian festivals in [[Belarus]], [[Ukraine]] and [[Russia]] also at this time of year ([[Maslenitsa]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.advantour.com/russia/traditions/maslenitsa.htm|title=Maslenitsa|publisher=advantour.com|access-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205184223/http://www.advantour.com/russia/traditions/maslenitsa.htm|archive-date=5 February 2017}}</ref>

==Dates==
{{Lent_calendar.svg}}
Shrove Tuesday is exactly 47 days before Easter Sunday, a [[moveable feast]] [[Computus|based on the cycles of the moon]]. The date can be between 3 February and 9 March inclusive.

Shrove Tuesday occurs on these dates:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nutrias.org/facts/mgdates.htm |title=Mardi Gras Dates |publisher=Nutrias.org |date=30 January 2009 |access-date=28 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212013041/http://nutrias.org/facts/mgdates.htm |archive-date=12 February 2015 }}</ref>

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==See also==
{{portal|Holidays|Food|Christianity}}
Related celebrations at the start of [[Lent]]
{{Colbegin|colwidth=35em}}
* [[Clean Monday]]
* [[Fat Thursday]]
* [[Laskiainen]]
* [[Mardi Gras]]
* [[Maslenitsa]]
* [[Nickanan Night]]
* [[Schembart Carnival|Nuremberg Shrovetide Carnival]]
* [[Powder Day]]
* [[Shrove Monday]]
* [[Tsiknopempti]]
* ''[[Shrove Tuesday: The Legend of Pancake Marion]]''
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==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://sites.google.com/site/pancakesotw Worldwide Pancake Recipes:] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311044957/https://sites.google.com/site/pancakesotw/ |date=11 March 2014 }} A collection of recipes from different countries
{{Easter}}
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[[Category:Tuesday observances]]
[[Category:Culture of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Carnivals]]
[[Category:Culture of Ireland]]
[[Category:Mardi Gras]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania Dutch culture]]
[[Category:February observances]]
[[Category:March observances]]
[[Category:Observances about food and drink]]
[[Category:Slavic carnival]]