It is still winter, and we all need something to look forward to!
Ok, we have just had Christmas and we might be trying to cut back on our treats, however, Shrove Tuesday (you may know it better as Pancake Day) is nearly upon us!
Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday – the first day of Lent, a period of around six weeks leading up to Easter – and is celebrated in many Christian countries.
Lent appeared in the 4th century and was inspired by the forty days of retreat and fasting which Jesus spent in the desert.
And although the restraints of Lent have varied through history, in the Middle Ages, the original Church prescriptions were that meat and animal-based products were forbidden.
This meant, among other things : eggs, butter, cream and milk…
You do realise I just gave you (minus flour) the whole list of ingredients for pancakes, don’t you?
And Shrove Tuesday was the last chance to eat them!
Pancake Day
You wouldn’t leave all these good ingredients to spoil, would you?
Pancakes became the traditional dish in the UK and the US, but other countries have their own food traditionally served on Shrove Tuesday, for example:
- Crêpes and waffles in France
- Blinis and pea soup in Finland
- Almond buns or semlor in Sweden
- Filled doughnuts or pączki in Poland
- Omelets or tortillas in Spain
In many countries it’s is also the time for Carnival Parades.
The word ‘Carnival’ is actually said to come from the Medieval Latin ‘carnelevamen’ or “carne vale” meaning (roughly!) ‘Goodbye, meat’.
The exact date of Shrove Tuesday changes from year to year, but one thing stays the same — it’s always 47 days before Easter Sunday. And yes, you guessed it, it’s always on a Tuesday!
Flipping Pancakes…
The history of flipping pancakes goes back to the 14th century when a housewife in the village of Olney, in the county of Buckinghamshire, was in the process of frying pancakes when she heard the toll of the church bell summoning the congregation.
Anxious not to miss the service, she ran down the street, frying pan in hand, tossing her pancake to prevent it from burning.
… In The City Of London
Even more ancient than this tradition of flipping pancakes, are the Livery Companies of the City of London.
But what is a Livery Company?
Going back as far as the medieval period, people who worked in the same trade often lived and even worshiped in the same area.
By the 12th Century, craft guilds were established: those were professional associations with an area of expertise or trade.
The term ‘livery’ refers to the uniform worn by each company.
They brought people together to discuss strategies and ideas for the future, but most importantly Livery Companies were also regulators, and were involved in setting quality standards and prices.
Members of Livery Companies were also there to support one another in times of hardship.
Today we have 110 Livery Companies here in the City of London, and they are just as relevant today, with all livery companies contributing to charity – collectively giving over £75 million to good causes each year.
And every year right here, in the City of London, many teams representing the different Livery companies in full Livery regalia as well as fancy dress, whilst tossing a pancake in a pan, take part in mad-cap races, all the while raising money for charity.
So why not pop along to Guildhall Yard , Gresham Street (EC2V 7HH) on 21st February between 11.30am and 3pm to watch the fun, where the Poulters bring the eggs, the Fruiterers the lemons and the Cutlers the forks and the winning team get a commemorative frying pan.
But whether you like lemon and sugar or prefer maple syrup, jam or chocolate, enjoy your pancake day!
Tracey
