Shrove Tuesday – then and now
     The day before Ash Wednesday is Shrove Tuesday, sometimes called “Fat Tuesday”. Centuries ago Christians often stuffed themselves with food before beginning 40 days of fasting for Lent. In those days, many Christians used up all the food containing fat, including dairy products. Because so many foods, including pancakes, used those fat products, many churches had huge feasts. A lot of people ate until they could hold no more – the beginnings of all-you-can-eat dinners.
     Today many congregations still keep at least a semblance of the tradition. In communities around the world, churches serve pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. But today the purpose is to have Christian Fellowship, not to devour everything in sight.