Christians today observe Shrove Tuesday, February 17, the final day of indulgence before the 40 days of Lent leading up to Easter.

This year, Easter Sunday falls on April 5.

A combined Dundee churches Shrove Tuesday service, complete with pancakes and kids’ crafts, will be held this evening from 5.30 pm at the NG Church on Fouche Street and all are welcome to attend.

A tradition rooted in confession and preparation

Shrove Tuesday precedes Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. The word ‘shrove’ comes from ‘shrive’, meaning to confess and receive absolution.

In many countries, the day is also known as Pancake Tuesday. The tradition developed as households used up ingredients such as eggs, milk and fats before the start of Lent, when these items were historically given up as part of fasting and abstinence.

Pancakes provided the perfect way to use these ingredients – simply adding flour to complete the mixture.

The pancake itself has a long history, appearing in cookery books as far back as 1439. The custom of tossing pancakes is nearly as old, referenced in 1619:
“And every man and maide doe take their turne,
And tosse their Pancakes up for feare they burne.”

The ingredients are often said to symbolise key aspects of the Christian faith:

• Eggs represent creation.

• Flour symbolises the staff of life.

• Salt signifies wholesomeness.

• Milk represents purity.