Pancake Day, known as Shrove Tuesday, is a significant event in Christian calendars, marking the day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. The term "Shrove" originates from the old English word "shriving," meaning to confess one's sins and receive absolution and historically on Shrove Tuesday Christians would attend confession to prepare spiritually for the season of Lent. But in more modern times, Pancake Day is celebrated with various customs including pancake tossing and community events.

The practice of using up rich foods like eggs, milk, and sugar before the 40-days of Lent, is what leads this association with pancakes as by making these families can avoid waste and indulge one last time before the period of fasting.

Below are some fun facts about the day and the customs associated with it:

• The date of Shrove Tuesday varies annually as it always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, which itself varies due to being dependent on the lunar cycle with Easter Sunday being the first Sunday after the full moon after the Spring Equinox.
• In the UK alone, it's estimated that 52 million eggs are used on this day each year.
• One of the most enduring traditions is the pancake race, with the most famous taking place in Olney, Buckinghamshire. According to legend, in 1445, a woman, upon hearing the church bells while making pancakes, rushed to the service still clutching her frying pan. This event is commemorated annually with participants racing while flipping pancakes!

Whether enjoyed for their religious significance or as a cultural tradition, pancakes on Shrove Tuesday remain a beloved practice. This year Pancake Day falls on Tuesday the 4^th of March so don’t forget to mark your calendars!