Shrove Tuesday was originally a religious festival, when a bell called people to attend confession, where they were 'shriven' (forgiven their sins).
The day was originally referred to as Shriven Tuesday, and subsequently Shrove Tuesday.
As Lent approached, people would use up fattening foods in preparation for a period of fasting.
Perishable staples like eggs and milk needed to be consumed quickly, and using them to make pancakes was an ideal solution.
The ingredients also had religious connotations. Eggs symbolised creation, flour represented 'the staff of life', milk was associated with purity and salt was connected to wholesomeness.
In the UK, we celebrate the day now with a variety of traditions, some more well known than others, as we explain.
FOOTY ON A GRAND SCALE
In Ashbourne, Derbyshire, a Royal Shrovetide Football Game kicks off at 2pm and continues right into the evening. The goals are placed three miles apart and, due to the liveliness of the game, shop windows are boarded up.
Esta historia es de la edición February 13, 2024 de Woman's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 13, 2024 de Woman's Weekly.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
10 OF THE BEST Buys for CHARITY
Look great and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October
How to HAGGLE
Save those £££s by plucking up the courage to negotiate
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Good to GLOW
Plant your bulbs now for a lovely bright start to spring
Painted VASES
Prettify empty jars and bottles with this quick craft project
Escape to OXFORD
Delve into the city's rich cultural heritage for a wonderful weekend
Sail through menopause WITHOUT WEIGHT GAIN!
Middle-aged spread may seem inevitable - but it really doesn't have to be
Woodland wonders
When you go down to the woods, you'll find a whole new world teeming with life
'We should all be dancing'
Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing