Shrove Tuesday — Pancakes, Mardi Gras, and Confession

Why do we eat pancakes the day before Lent? What does 'Shrove' mean? The history of Fat Tuesday.

MyPrayerTower Team

4 min read Spiritual Study

Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday) has two vibes:

Party: Mardi Gras ("Fat Tuesday"). Eating up all the rich foods (butter, eggs, sugar) before the Lenten fast. That is why we make Pancakes.
Penance: "Shrove" comes from the word "Shrive" (to confess). Historically, Christians went to Confession on this day to start Lent with a clean soul.

The Balance

Have your pancakes. Enjoy the party. But remember: The party ends at midnight. Ash Wednesday is coming.

Get shriven. Find Confession times on the MyPrayerTower app.

"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."