Q. 1. What is the Catholic meaning of "Pancake Tuesday?"

A. 1. "Pancake Day," also known as "Shrove Tuesday," is a special day celebrated in many countries around the world. It is celebrated in English-speaking countries like the UK, Ireland, Australia and Canada. In France, the USA and other countries, it is called "Mardi Gras" or "Fat Tuesday."

"Pancake Day" is the day in February or March immediately preceding Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent), which is celebrated in some countries by consuming pancakes.

"Pancake Day" is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent – the 40 days leading up to Easter. It was traditionally a time of fasting and on Shrove Tuesday, Anglo-Saxon Christians went to confession and were “shriven” (absolved from their sins).

A pancake is a thin, flat cake, made of batter and fried in a frying pan. A traditional English pancake is very thin and is served immediately. Golden syrup or lemon juice and caster sugar are the usual toppings for pancakes.