There’s a Catholic custom that involves chowing down on pancakes? It’s true! “Fat Tuesday” or “Mardi Gras” is also known as Pancake Day because of a long-standing custom for celebrating the eve of Lent.
After giving a quick overview of what the ancient tradition of Fat Tuesday is and why it’s important, I’ll share why you should consider celebrating in “Pancake-Day style”!
Mardi Gras: Many Names, Many Traditions
Fat Tuesday falls directly before Ash Wednesday, the day that kicks off Lent. The name is a reference to the tradition of enjoying rich cuisine on the eve of Lent.
Catholic Answers explains how Fat Tuesday demonstrates that the Church is anti-gloom.
The day embodies the joy and gratitude for God’s gifts, reminding us to reflect on our spiritual journey and prepare our hearts for the renewal and repentance of Lent, a season which, in turn, is ordered toward preparing for the great celebration of Easter.
Catholic Answers also quotes St. John Chrysostom:
The Church is a hospital, and not a courtroom, for souls. She does not condemn on behalf of sins, but grants remission of sins. Nothing is so joyous in our life as the thanksgiving that we experience in the Church. In the Church, the joyful sustain their joy. In the Church, those worried acquire merriment, and those saddened, joy. In the Church, the troubled find relief, and the heavy-laiden, rest.
For more insight on the joyful spirit of the Church, I highly recommend Shaun McAfee’s reflection, “Defending Mari Gras: Why the Church Has Always Known How to Feast.”
As if “Fat Tuesday” and “Mardi Gras” weren’t enough, the day goes by yet another nickname: “Shrove Tuesday.” To be “shriven” means to go to Confession, which is another hallmark of the Catholic celebration of Fat Tuesday. Confessing our sins allows us to take a load off. We can do spiritual cartwheels in the knowledge that God forgives and accompanies us always. What better way to maximize the joy of sharing Fat Tuesday cuisine with family and friends?
In New Orleans, classic fun includes eating King Cake and wearing beaded necklaces of purple, green, and gold, colors that stand for justice, faith, and power. In Portugal, Cozido à Portuguesa is packed with all manner of tasty meats, like pork, beef, chicken, and sausage—and professionals sometimes even cook it by volcano! A cream-puff-like treat known as Semlor is all the rage in Sweden.
In the UK and other countries including the US, it’s all about pancakes.
Pancake Day: A “Stack” of Blessings
Fat Tuesday is meant to be a reminder of the good things in life: drawing closer to the God who loves us, spending time with family and our church community, and enjoying our favorite foods. However, sometimes certain ways of celebrating Mardi Gras, especially in secular society, don’t elevate the celebration. Getting drunk or throwing bawdy parties tears us down as human beings rather than elevates us.
In contrast, the centuries-old Catholic tradition of Pancake Day is not only great fun, it’s great for you mentally and spiritually (and your stomach will thank you!).
Pancake Day was the popular mode of celebration for Anglo-Saxon Catholics, who would flock to Confession when the church bells (a.k.a. the “Pancake Bell”) rang. As you might have guessed, families served up pancakes that day. Since Lenten fasting was more comprehensive in those days, pancakes were selected not only for their deliciousness, but also to consume eggs, milk, and fats to avoid them going bad during Lent.
As Ellen Castelow of Historic UK notes, “the ingredients for pancakes can be seen to symbolise four points of significance at this time of year,” with eggs representing creation, flour as “the staff of life,” salt as wholesomeness, and milk as purity.
To celebrate Pancake Day, you don’t need to wait for the sound of church bells! Make it a point to go to Confession and to enjoy a fun pancake meal. Families with kids might even consider holding a race: “According to tradition, in 1445 a woman of Olney [in England] heard the shriving bell while she was making pancakes and ran to the church in her apron, still clutching her frying pan,” explains Castelow. “The Olney pancake race is now world famous.”
Want to dish up an authentic “Pancake Day pancake”? As Castelow explains, “A traditional English pancake is very thin and is served immediately. Golden syrup or lemon juice and caster sugar are the usual toppings for pancakes.” Follow this link for a recipe!
Thicker US-style pancakes topped with butter are always great, as well. If you’re feeling more adventurous, I highly recommend these unique flavors:
- For meat-lovers out there, this Pancake Casserole is awesome!
- Perfect Pumpkin Pancakes are a unique flavor twist. Or, if you like fruit, Strawberry Pancakes are delicious!
- To dish up a variety of pancake toppings all in one go, try these Four-Flavor Sheet Pan Pancakes.
God, family, and pancakes: can it get any better than Pancake Day?
Photo by Jaqueline Pelzer on Unsplash
