There is an official 'pancake day', also known as 'Shrove Tuesday' in the UK, a day where almost everyone in the entire country eats a pancake. Beautiful.
This wonderful day takes place on the 4 of March, on Tuesday ofcourse. But there is a story behind this. It isn't just a day where everyone eats a pancake, no, it's the beginning of something far more spiritual: Lent.
I thought you might needed some inspiration to make your own pancake;
DELICIOUS PANCAKES
I hope that was enough inspiration! Now, let's get on with the historical part of Shrove Tuesday.
What is Pancake day?
Pancake day is the day before the beginning of Lent, a Christian festival. Lent is a period of 40 days when the Christians remember the 40 days Jesus spent alone in the desert without food, tempted by the devil. It is a time of fasting, and you can compare it to the Islamitic Ramadan. Sundays, however, are not included into the period because they are originally days of celebration. People in the old ages originally gave up all rich food in that time, so it was a strict religious festival. It is also the month before Easter, so in this time of fasting people can overthink all the things they have done wrong.
How do people celebrate Lent nowadays?
Nowadays, Lent isn't a strict religious festival anymore. Some Christians spent this time trying to overcome their faults, just as Jesus did in the desert. Other Christians follow the example of Jesus and spend 40 days without any luxury items. They also try to put aside more time to pray and do religious acts, so they can really let God into their lifes.
Why pancakes?
Since Lent starts the day after, on Ash Wednesday, they can't eat (originally) any luxury foods in that time. So, since pancakes are made of fat, butter and eggs, which were forbidden during Lent, they eat pancakes to have a last time of indulging themselves before having a period of abstinence.
When does it take place?
As I said at the beginning, Shrove Tuesday takes place on March 4. Only, that is only 2014. Because Lent has to take place 47 days before Easter, the date varies. Here is a little picture to help you;
In 2014 Pancake Day will be on 4 March
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Ireland and Australia ( AKA Beer and giant spiders); they call it Pancake Day (how original) or Pancake Tuesday.
Brazil( kinda unexpected to be honest) ; here they call it Fat Tuesday (perfection) or Terça-feira gorda and it is the last day of Brazil Carnival.
Greece ( garlic) ; here it is called Apocreas, since they don't eat meat during Lent.
Sweden ( nice watches) ; Fettisdagen is the official name and it means Fat Tuesday.
USA ( YEAH! USA! YEAH!nah not really) here they only celebrate it in the Catholic and French-speaking parts and there it is called Mardi Gras. Isn't that a movie or something?
Germany ( Bratwurst ) ; 'Fastnacht'. Original.
France ( oeh la la, baguette eiffeltoren bon bon) ; again; Mardi Gras! It means Grease ( movie, again..)or Fat Tuesday. Do you guys see a recurrent theme here? I do.
Iceland ( uhh.. ice? Supermodels?) ; the word is Sprengidagur which means Bursting Day. Pretty original if you look at all the other names.
The Fun Part; Make your own Pancake Day!
I know that It won't be Pancake Day for a while guys, but I thought that everyday can be Pancake Day so for that I have a simple and easy ( I hope) recipe for you. Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons melted butter
How to;
1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.
That's a wrap for today guys and gals. Have a nice day, adios!
Sources: source: http://www.projectbritain.com/shrove.html http://www.bing.com/images/
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