Shrove Tuesday is the day immediately preceding Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent), which is celebrated in some countries by consuming pancakes. In other countries, especially those where it is called Mardi Gras, this is a carnival day, and also the last day of “fat eating” or “gorging” before the fasting period of Lent.

The date of this moveable feast is determined by the day of Easter. The expression “Shrove Tuesday” comes from the word shrive, meaning “absolve.” It is marked by Christians who make a special point of self-examination, of considering of what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God’s help in dealing with.