While we secretly wish everyday was Pancake Day, we have to admit that there can only be one. And since pancakes are one of our favourite food groups, we thought we’d shed some light on why people eat pancakes on this particular day.
Pancake Day happens on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of the Christian 40-day Lent season, running up to Easter.
The expression “Shrove Tuesday” comes from the word shrive, which means to confess and receive absolution. Back in the day, people use to confess their sins before Lent. Many still do to this day.
Traditionally, Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day, was a day for using up food that couldn’t be eaten during Lent, which was a time for fasting. Since eggs and butter were always left over in the household, people decided to make pancakes for Tuesday so as not to waste them.
According to legend, pancake racing first started in the 15th century when a Buckinghamshire woman rushed to confess her sins while making pancakes and took her pan to church.
The pancake tradition has evolved since then. Towns, villages and community gatherings continue to hold pancake races and other fun activities to celebrate their last day of indulgence.
In other parts of the world like the US and Australia, Shrove Tuesday is known as Mardi Gras, which is French for “Fat Tuesday”. Mardi Gras carnival celebrations involve wearing masks and costumes, dancing and taking part in sports competitions and parades. We still prefer the pancakes, just saying.
And on that note, we’re serving Country Style Pancakes at half price all day on Pancake Tuesday (Feb 28). So come by to BOOM Breakfast, the best breakfast restaurant in Toronto to enjoy Pancakes Tuesday!
