Shrove Tuesday heralds the start of Lent
Lent is the period preceding Easter, which is devoted to fasting, abstinence, and penitence in commemoration of Christ's fasting in the wilderness. In the Western Church it runs from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, and so includes forty weekdays.
Shrove Tuesday, celebrated yesterday, was the last day of indulgence before Christians traditionally move into a 40-day period of abstinence (Lent) that marks the lead up to Easter, April 16.
It takes its name from the word “shrive”, meaning to confess and seek absolution.
In many parts of the world, it is also known as Pancake Tuesday, a tradition borne out of households cooking pancakes the day before Lent begins.
Fats, eggs and milky foods once counted among the items observant Christians wouldn’t eat during Lent. Pancakes were a dish that could use up all these items – just add flour.
This religious observance also gave rise to the French term “Mardi Gras”, which means “Fat Tuesday”.
As American Catholic notes, this is why New Orleans’ famous party abruptly ends when the clock strikes midnight, and Ash Wednesday begins, which is today, March 1.
Lent is the period preceding Easter, which is devoted to fasting, abstinence, and penitence in commemoration of Christ’s fasting in the wilderness. In the Western Church it runs from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, and so includes forty weekdays.
Toby Page greeting Bill Smith a visitor to Dundee from Australia here with wife, Trudy, to visit Trudy’s mother, Maire Esterhuizen, who is in Eventide.
What is Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday is officially the start of Lent but its exact date changes each year depending upon when Easter falls.
To mark the day, clergy all over the world burn palm from the previous year’s Palm Sunday services to create ash.
This is then rubbed across people’s foreheads in the shape of the cross as they are reminded “For dust you are and to dust you shall return”.
The ceremony is meant to show followers that their lives are short and they must live them to the fullest.
This sees Lent begin and it continues until the Thursday before Easter weekend.
Why is Lent for 40 days and what is its meaning?
The Lent period reflects when Jesus fasted and suffered in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, before he started his ministry.
According to the Bible, he was tempted by Satan during this time, but each time he managed to refuse his temptations.
People follow Jesus’ example and give up vices in a bid to grow closer to God as Easter approaches.
