Dozens of runners zipped around a square in London, England, on Tuesday. Each wore a costume and carried a frying pan. They celebrated “Pancake Day,” also known as Shrove Tuesday, a tradition nearly 600 years old.
Hundreds of people packed into London’s Guildhall Yard. They cheered as participants in the annual Inter-Livery Pancake Race ran up and down the square while flipping flapjacks.
The spectacle was one of many such pancake races across the United Kingdom. The races mark Shrove Tuesday, the day before the start of Lent. That’s the 40-day period before Easter that some Christians mark with prayers, fasting, and repentance.
The name Shrove Tuesday derives from a Middle English word meaning to seek forgiveness or be granted forgiveness.
Many people mark Shrove Tuesday by cooking pancakes. It’s a nod to the custom of using up eggs and butter before the period of self-denial begins.
In other parts of the world, people celebrate the day as Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. That name comes from the practice of eating up rich foods before Lent.
Christians can be called to deny themselves, and the Bible warns against gluttony. (Luke 9:23; Proverbs 23:20-21) Thankfully, believers in Jesus Christ may rest in the knowledge that that He alone grants forgiveness—and that is based on genuine faith and not merit. (John 14:6)
The oldest and most famous of all pancake races takes place in the small town of Olney, England. Legend says that the town held its first run in 1445.
In London, the Inter-Livery race featured teams donning fancy dress or traditional garb that represent their livery companies. These historic guilds or trade groups have existed in London for almost 1,000 years. Members wear livery gowns for special occasions. The long robes often have fur and insignias that represent the specific guilds.
Other racers wore silly costumes. A skyscraper, a beekeeper, a bird, a strawberry, and a chest of drawers were among those racing at this year’s event.
Many livery companies took part this year. The company of gunmakers fired the starting gun. The clockmakers timed the races. And the “fruiterers” provided lemons to go with the pancakes for sale at stands around the square.
Race winners received a trophy—and a frying pan.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. — 1 Corinthians 10:31
