Fat Tuesday
Today is Fat Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday (from the English word shrive, meaning to obtain absolution through confession and penance). It is the day before the Lenten season begins, the time during which Catholics and many other Christians will fast in preparation for Easter, the highest holy day of the year.
Because it is the last day before Lent, it has traditionally been a celebratory day – the last day on which you can eat foods that will be forbidden during Lent. The name “Fat Tuesday” comes from the tradition of eating foods containing lots of sugar, fat and eggs. This same celebration is called Mardi Gras (France, New Orleans) in some traditions and Carnival (Brasil, Portugal, Venice) in others.
In English-speaking countries, Fat Tuesday is associated with pancakes because it was a way to use up eggs, milk and butter before the fast. While Catholics give up meat on Fridays during Lent, centuries ago it was traditional to give up meat, dairy and eggs during Lent.
To celebrate this day, my family will be eating pancakes for dinner tonight. In order to do this right, they have to be awesome pancakes! I’ve chosen Banana Macadamia Pancakes with Orange Butter for tonight’s dinner. Sounds wonderfully yummy and rich – just perfect for a pre-Lenten feast!
