Pancake Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is just around the corner.
It takes place the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.
But why do we eat pancakes on this particular day?
What's the religious connection and is it a purely Irish or Catholic thing?
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Here's everything you need to know about Pancake Tuesday ahead of the delicious day next week.
When is Pancake Tuesday this year?
Pancake Tuesday falls next Tuesday, March 1. That means just over a week to go before the delicious day. Perfect time to stock up on every pancake topping known to man.
Why does the date for Pancake Tuesday change every year?
The date for Pancake Tuesday changes every year because it's determined by where Easter falls in the calendar. Even though the date changes, it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday.
What's Shrove Tuesday?
If you're a Christian, chances are you've heard Pancake Tuesday called Shrove Tuesday.
The word Shrove comes from the word 'shrive' which means absolution for sins by doing penance.
It gets its name from Christians trying to be "shriven" before Lent.
Christians would confess their sins and ask for absolution. A bell would ring to call the confession and this bell is called "the pancake bell." It's still used to this day.
But why do we eat pancakes?
Pancakes are eaten on Shrove Tuesday as it was the last day to get rid of all the fatty foods in the kitchen cupboard before Lent.
Things like eggs, sugar and milk weren't traditionally eaten during lent so they needed to be eaten beforehand.
Pancakes feature in cookbooks dating as far back as 1439 but it's believed the tradition of mixing them up comes from a pagan ritual.
