What Are Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, and Ash Wednesday?
Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday. It comes from the word “shriving” meaning confession and absolution. Traditionally, this was a day when Christians would confess their sins in preparation for Lent. It is a custom to eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. This probably originates from the ingredients of pancakes: oil, eggs, and butter, which were forbidden during Lent. Pancakes were an easy and convenient way of getting them out of the house before Lent. Shrove Tuesday is also called “Fat Tuesday,” which is what Mardi Gras means. It is called this because many took it to be the last time one could party before Easter. However, the Church has traditionally tried to discourage carnal and material celebrations of Shrove Tuesday. Ash Wednesday, in the Western Church, marks the first day of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, a mixture of ashes and consecrated oil are imposed on the heads or foreheads of the faithful in the sign of the cross.
