Pancake Day

Serious race, isn't it?
Originally uploaded by apricot_says

Today is Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday in United Kingdom. Before the Lent starts, they try to use up all flour, sugar and eggs by making pancakes. Then they have "Pancake Race", tossing the pancake on the frying pan.

The origin seems to be like this;

Shrove Tuesday was once known a 'half-holiday' in England. It started at 11:00 a.m. with the signalling of a church bell.[9] The tradition is said to have originated when a housewife from Olney was so busy making pancakes, that she forgot the time until she heard the church bells ringing for the service. She raced out of the house to church while still carrying her frying pan and pancake.

via Shrove Tuesday - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.


Competitor at the race
Originally uploaded by apricot_says

In my town, there is Pancake Race at the high street. As this is not half-holiday any more and is held around 11.30, this might not for everyone's fun event, but there are many participants from local firms, shops at High street, and charity groups, etc and many children from local schools.


Kids Pancake Race
Originally uploaded by apricot_says


Even though this event is something to do with the religion, I assume that beyond the religious background, this is something many people can enjoy together after long dark winter, feeling a sign of Spring. Listening other people laughing and cheering, I thought this is really what we need when we hear gloomy stories on the news all the time.