Flipping fabulous!

A traditional Shrove Tuesday isn’t just about pancakes

- STEVE CAIN

Shrove Tuesday was originally a religious festival, when a bell called people to attend confession, where they were 'shriven' (forgiven their sins).

The day was originally referred to as Shriven Tuesday, and subsequently Shrove Tuesday.

As Lent approached, people would use up fattening foods in preparation for a period of fasting.

Perishable staples like eggs and milk needed to be consumed quickly, and using them to make pancakes was an ideal solution.

The ingredients also had religious connotations. Eggs symbolised creation, flour represented 'the staff of life', milk was associated with purity and salt was connected to wholesomeness.

In the UK, we celebrate the day now with a variety of traditions, some more well known than others, as we explain.

FOOTY ON A GRAND SCALE

In Ashbourne, Derbyshire, a Royal Shrovetide Football Game kicks off at 2pm and continues right into the evening. The goals are placed three miles apart and, due to the liveliness of the game, shop windows are boarded up.