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The day of Shrove Tuesday refers to a particular day that comes after Shrove Monday, but before the Ash Wednesday. In countries like Ireland and Canada (protestant dominated regions of the later), this particular day is also referred to as the Pan Cake Day. Probably the reason behind such a strange name is that it is essential to eat Pan Cakes that day.
Usually, the Shrove Tuesday turns out to be the last day before the Lent period of the Christians. This is the day of moveable feasts in the calendar of the church and is somehow directly related with the date of the Easter. It is exactly 47 days before the Ester Sunday, making the date of this festival a variable one. However, each year the date of this Shrove Tuesday - Pancake Day falls between February 3rd to March 9th.
Shrove Tuesday is the day of celebrations as well as penitence, may be due to the fact that it is the last day before Lent. It is indeed the last chance to get into the groove and eat those food items that are strictly not allowed during the Lent period. Pancakes are eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and egg, all of which are prohibited during the Lent.
Previously, it was a common observation that the church bells rang earlier in the Shrove Tuesday than any other normal day. In the morning, the church bells summon everyone to confessions and ready to be shriven. It also reminds all of us about the Lent, the mourning period of the Christians, thereby imposing retractions on the normal food habit of the Christians.
For more relevant information on other Irish festivals, make it a point to browse through the pages of
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