In France, there is a tradition of making a wish while tossing a pancake while holding a coin in the other hand.
Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is celebrated annually to mark the first day of Lent.
Celebrating with pancakes on this day is a worldwide tradition, dating back over a thousand years.
During Lent, foods like eggs, flour, fat, and sugar are not allowed, making Shrove Tuesday the perfect day to use up these ingredients in the tastiest way possible – pancakes!
The term “Shrove” comes from “Shrive,” meaning to confess.
The English village of Olney, Buckinghamshire, has been celebrating Pancake Day with a pancake race since 1445, making it the first to do so.
In the United States, Pancake Day is commonly known as “Mardi Gras,” which means “Fat Tuesday” in French.
The largest pancake ever tossed measured 15.01m wide, 2.5cm deep, and weighed 3 tonnes in 1994, setting a record.
In 1995, Dean Gould set a world record by flipping 349 pancakes in two minutes.
In Ireland, Shrove Tuesday is known as Máirt Inide, which means “Shrovetide Tuesday” in Irish.
In Iceland, it is celebrated as “Sprengidagur,” which translates to “Bursting Day” and involves eating salted meat and peas.
52 million eggs are consumed on Pancake Day in the UK, 22 million more than on any other day of the year.
A good tip to remember is that the second side of a pancake takes half the amount of time to cook as the first.
On average, people eat two pancakes per person on Shrove Tuesday.
Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, is celebrated in many Christian countries on the day before Ash Wednesday.
The only question left is, do you prefer sweet or savory pancakes?
FAQ
1. What is Pancake Day?
Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is the day before the start of Lent in the Christian calendar. It is a day of feasting and indulgence before the period of fasting and penance that traditionally takes place during Lent.
2. Why do we eat pancakes on Pancake Day?
The tradition of eating pancakes on Pancake Day comes from the practice of using up rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar before the start of Lent, when these foods were traditionally avoided. Pancakes are a delicious way to use up these ingredients and enjoy a final indulgence before the period of fasting.
3. Where did Pancake Day originate?
The origins of Pancake Day can be traced back to medieval times in England, when people would use up rich ingredients before the start of Lent by making pancakes. The tradition has since spread to many other countries around the world.
4. What is the world record for the largest pancake?
The current world record for the largest pancake was set in 1994 in Rochdale, England. The pancake was over 15 meters in diameter and weighed over three tonnes!
5. What is the most popular pancake topping?
The most popular pancake topping varies depending on where you are in the world, but some of the most popular toppings include maple syrup, lemon and sugar, Nutella, and whipped cream.
6. What is a crêpe?
A crêpe is a thin pancake that is typically made with flour, milk, and eggs. It originated in France and is often served with sweet or savoury fillings such as Nutella, ham and cheese, or fruit and cream.
7. What is the Pancake Day race?
The Pancake Day race is a tradition that takes place in the town of Olney, England. It involves a race between teams of women who must run while flipping a pancake in a frying pan. The race has been held since 1445 and is a popular event that attracts visitors from around the world.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.