Why we eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday as history behind special day explained

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Today many Scots will be tucking into pancakes for this year’s Shrove Tuesday. The Tuesday is a vital event on the Christian calendar, and is the day before many of us give up some of our favourite vices for the 40 days of Lent.

While the traditions of the religious period have lasted for decades and decades, many will be wondering - why pancakes? Firstly, we must take a look at the traditions of Lent to understand why the humble pancake is the chosen snack of Shrove Tuesday.The 40 days of Lent represents that time that Jesus spent fasting in the desert where he resisted the temptation of Satan.

In order to commemorate this, Scots will give up some of their worst habits or favourite vices - such as smoking, drinking alcohol or foods that they like to overindulge in - before Easter Sunday.

Shrove Tuesday represents the final day for Christians to indulge in certain foods before the fasting period of Lent.This is why pancakes are seen as the best way to use up their remaining fatty ingredients before giving them up over that lengthy period of time.The word shrove itself comes from shrive, which means to present oneself for confession, penance and absolution.Pancakes have also got a long history in cooking, with the treat appearing in cookbooks as far back as the 15th century.They’re quick and easy to make, whilst being the most practical solution to get rid of the rich ingredients required - milk, eggs, flour and sugar.Pancakes have become such an integral part to Shrove Tuesday that some communities even take part in pancake racing, which sees participants race while flipping pancakes in a frying pan. Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.