Let’s Celebrate Fat Tuesday
February 9, 2016//
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These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as [the Israelites] did, or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did.1 Corinthians 10:6-8 (NLT)
Woo-hoo! Let’s celebrate Fat Tuesday – the final day of Mardi Gras!
Why such a worldwide party?
Many revelers probably don’t realize Mardi Gras is the last hurrah before Lent which always begins on a Wednesday – 40 days prior to Easter. Lent is a season of repentance, humility, and self-denial preparing us for Christ’s crucifixion. So, on the eve of this somber season, people get their party on.
Why is it called Fat or Shrove Tuesday? And why are pancakes traditional?
Rich foods like milk, fats, eggs, and meat were forbidden during this season of self-denial, so people cleared out their ice boxes and feasted on pancakes. In Old England, the day included pancake tosses, pancake races, pancake recipe contests, and children going door-to-door asking for pancakes (like American trick-or-treating). It is still called Pancake Day.
The word ‘shrove’ comes from the Old English word ‘shrive’ which means to confess your sins. Over 1000 years ago, a monk declared that “in the week immediately before Lent everyone shall go to his confessor and confess his deeds and the confessor shall so shrive him.” (thisischurch.com)
So if you’re local to Medfield, join me at UCC for Pancakes with a Purpose from 5:30-7. Our youth hold this Shrove Tuesday supper to raise funds for their mission trip in July.
Did you learn something new about Shrove Tuesday? How will you celebrate?
#SeedsOfScripture #ShroveTuesday #Lent #Easter
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Spend a few minutes to plant a quick Seed. Or stay longer and plant a whole garden.
Thank you for this, Cathy. I did not know about the word Shrove and it's meaning. Great history lesson for me. Wish I could attend the pancake feast. Have a blessed lent season.
I grew up in a small Baptist church. We did not practice Lent. I never heard of shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day either. Interesting how Mardi Gras and all its debauchery is celebrated world wide but not repentance or thanksgiving for “good” Friday. We celebrated Maundy Thursday – The Lords’ Supper and Easter was with great joy and singing in Victory.
Good point that the world knows all about Mardi Gras, but not the meaning behind it. Just a big party.