Soft. Fluffy. Sweet. Mouth-wateringly delicious. All of these only point to one thing.

 

Pancakes.

 

Pancakes are so versatile. They can be enjoyed in so many ways: maple syrup, honey, Nutella, icing sugar, fruity. And that’s to say the least. They’re an energy booster- and not just because of the carbs! Their rich taste, nostalgic feel makes anyone and everyone immediately happy! And they make one heck of a breakfast!

 

On Tuesday, 13th of February, the whole of the UK collectively made pancakes and enjoyed them for breakfast. For students, the start of half-term, it was the breakfast of freedom. For parents, it was the meal of relaxation as the school-run took a break. Pancake Day marked happy occasions for so many.

 

But Pancake Day marks a much deeper occasion than just a good breakfast. In fact, it’s just a nickname- it’s actually Shrove Tuesday. A traditionally Christian festival, marking the end of pre-Lent. And what’s that? Essentially, the start of Easter prep three weeks before Lent. Lent is 40 days of fasting that many Christians observe before Easter and commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and rejecting temptation from the Devil.

 

The logic behind Shrove Tuesday is to do with this fasting. Shrove Tuesday was the last opportunity to use up eggs and fats before embarking on the Lenten fast and pancakes are the perfect way of using up these ingredients. Hence, Pancake Day.

 

Who would have thought such a widely celebrated, fun holiday has such deep, important roots? I certainly didn’t! But now we know why Pancake Day is Pancake Day, and how for so many people in the UK and around the world, just how significant it is.

 

But regardless of what you believe, it’s a day of fun and happiness. And a delicious breakfast!