PANCAKE DAY

What is Pancake Day?

Pancake Day (also known as Shrove Tuesday) is the last day before the period which Christians call Lent. It is traditional on this day to eat
pancakes, toss pancakes and take part in pancake races. The origins of eating pancakes arose from Christians who observed Lent and wanted
to use up all the rich foods in their cupboards before Lent. During Lent eggs, sugar and butter were not allowed so these ingredients were used
to make pancakes. Today many people celebrate Pancake Day regardless of religion.

When is Pancake Day?

Pancake Day is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday and is therefore the final day before the beginning of Lent, a Christian festival
leading up to Easter Sunday (Easter Day). Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date varies from
year to year and falls between 3 February and 9 March.

Why do Christians call the day 'Shrove Tuesday'?

The name Shrove comes from the old word "shrive" which means to confess. On Shrove Tuesday, in the Middle Ages, people used to
confess their sins so that they were forgiven before the season of Lent began.

What is an English Pancake?

A pancake is a thin, flat cake, made of batter and fried in a pan. A traditional English pancake is very thin and is served immediately from the
frying pan. Caster sugar (superfine sugar) is sprinkled over the top and a dash of fresh lemon juice added. The pancake is then rolled. Some
people add golden syrup or jam.

Pa n c a ke R a c e s
Pancake races are held all over England. The object of the race is to get to the finishing line first while flipping a pancake in a frying pan.
Running is this time less important than flipping and catching the pancake, which must be intact when the finishing line is reached.
The most famous pancake race takes place at Olney. According to tradition, in 1445 a woman of Olney heard the bell ringing while she was
making pancakes and ran to the church in her apron, with a frying pan in her hand.
The Olney pancake race is now famous all over the world. Competitors have to be local housewives and they must wear an apron and a hat or
scarf. Each contestant has a frying pan containing a hot, cooking pancake. She must toss it three times during the race that starts at the
market square at 11.55 am. The first woman to complete the winding 375-metre course (the record is 63 seconds set in 1967) and arrive at
the church, serve her pancake to the bell ringer, and be kissed by him, is the winner. She also receives a prayer book from the vicar.
2013- 12th February

2014- 4th March

A poem
Mix a pancake,
Stir a pancake,
Pop it in the pan.
Fry a pancake,
Toss a pancake,
Catch it if you can.
Christina Rossetti

2015- 27th February

2016- 9th February

2017- 28th February