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Story from Janis entitled "PANCAKE DAY - 24th February" |
Shrove Tuesday and the pancakes that my mother used to make with my help in
trying to toss the pancakes in to the air and back in to the frying pan, which
I never seemed to get it right. The pancakes always seem to go everywhere
except the frying pan. It was great fun at the time but I don't think that
my mother was amused with the mess that she had to clear up especially when
the pancakes landed up on to the ceiling. I loved the taste of golden syrup
that run all over the hot pancake's and the added lemon flavour. Looking back
at the time when I could enjoy all those sweet things but unfortunately I have
now developed diabetes.
I was very interested to find out all about Shrove Tuesday and I came across
a book that explained the meaning of Shrove Tuesday
History
Shrove Tuesday or 'Pancake Day' is the day before Ash Wednesday,
which heralds the start of Lent. Because Lent is a time when people
traditionally eat simple foods or fast, Pancake Day developed into
a day of indulgence when people empted the cupboards of the foods
that they would not be eating during Lent. Pancakes were made, as
they were an ideal way of using up eggs. Butter and flour, which
would not 'last' the 40 days of Lent. They are still popular today.
Many other countries also have their own variations of Pancakes
French crepes, scotch, pancakes and crempog (Welsh pancakes) that
are enjoyed all the year round.
The word Shrove refers to the practice of confessing of sins then
afterwards the fast of Lent could be considered a penance of faults
committed.
Ash Wednesday the first day of Lent was a solemn occasion deriving
its name from the ancient Practice of blessing of the Ashes. The
priest using the occasion to remind his congregation that they too
must return to ashes.
During Medieval times, pancakes were caned crisps or cresps and
represented the unleavened bread used during the Feast of the
passover, Lent was taken very seriously. And strict laws forbade
the eating of certain foods during the period.
Flour - the staff of life, mix a pancake
Salt - wholesomeness, stir a pancake
Milk - Purity, pop it in the pan
Fry the Pancake
Toss the Pancake
Catch it if you can
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