Today is Shrove Tuesday, also commonly known as Pancake Day.

Dennis Coley with Steinbach United Church says Pancake Day is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday. It is the last day before the period which Christians call Lent. Because Lent has

historically been about fasting or giving things up, Shrove Tuesday was the last chance for people to indulge themselves and use foods not allowed during Lent. He notes pancakes were eaten on this day because they were made of rich ingredients such as eggs, butter and sugar.

The name "shrove" comes from the old word "shrive," which means to confess. On Shrove Tuesday in the Middle Ages, people used to confess their sins so that they were forgiven before the season of Lent began. Shrove Tuesday always falls 40 days, excluding Sundays before Easter Sunday. For this reason, the date changes from one year to the next.

According to Steinbach United Church, Lent is a season of the Christian year where Christians focus on simple living, prayer and reflection in order to grow closer to God. It is a 40 day opportunity to change a lifestyle. The Church suggests a 40 day practice of either fasting from processed foods or cutting out distractions, taking on something for Christ or for intentional prayer.