Do you know why we have pancakes? And what the proper name for Pancake Day is? It is Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins. It is the day that all the good rich food was eaten up in preparation for Lent, when people would fast and go without certain food, such as meat. Usually the larder was emptied of all rich foods before Lent began; they were made into (pan) cakes very different from those we have today. The tradition dates back to Ancient Rome.

In some parts of America and France, carnivals are held called Mardi Gras - a day of festivals, fun and mis- chief. The word 'carnival' means 'farewell to flesh' (or 'meat').

Shrove Tuesday was the day when people went to church to confess their sins and ask for God's forgiveness - to be 'shriven'.

The next day, the day that Lent starts, is called Ash Wednesday, because those who had been shriven would be marked that day with a smudge of ash on their forehead as a sign of their repentance.

Then they try to demonstrate how sorry they are by fasting (doing without things) during Lent, which lasts for forty days.

But, first, let's enjoy our pancakes on Shrove Tuesday!