When is Pancake Day 2020 and why do we have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday?

Shrove Tuesday is the one day a year where you can eat as many pancakes as you want before Lent – and so the countdown begins.
Shrove Tuesday always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date varies year to year and normally falls between February 2, and March 9. Picture: PixabayShrove Tuesday always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date varies year to year and normally falls between February 2, and March 9. Picture: Pixabay
Shrove Tuesday always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date varies year to year and normally falls between February 2, and March 9. Picture: Pixabay

Whether you’re a sweet person or a savoury person the simple pancake is loved by all across the nation.

When is Pancake Day 2020?

This year Pancake Day falls on Tuesday, February 25.

When is Pancake Day 2020 and why do we have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday? Picture: PixabayWhen is Pancake Day 2020 and why do we have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday? Picture: Pixabay
When is Pancake Day 2020 and why do we have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday? Picture: Pixabay

Shrove Tuesday always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date varies year to year and normally falls between February 2, and March 9.

But, what is Shrove Tuesday?

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Traditionally for Christians, the 40 days before Easter are known as Lent – this marks the time that Jesus spent fasting in the desert.

Therefore, Christians mark this time with prayer and fasting and abstain from whole range foods, including eggs, meat, fats and milk.

Shrove Tuesday was a feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday and Christians would go to confession to be absolved from their sins.

The Shriving Bell would be rung to call people to confession. This bell became known as the “Pancake Bell”.

Why do we eat Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday?

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Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday was the last chance for people to use up eggs and ‘fats’ before Lent.

Pancakes were a good way of using up those ingredients.

The origin of pancake races

Pancake races date back to 1445, and it is said that a local woman heard the Shriving Bell while she was making pancakes and ran to church in her apron, still clutching her frying pan.

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