On Wednesday I was talking with a friend in Canada and she asked, “So did you have pancakes yesterday?”

Puzzled, I replied, “No, why would we?”

Then she explained to me about Shrove Tuesday which I had never heard of before.

Apparently, it used to be customary to use up all the fat in the house (mostly eggs and milk) before starting fasting on Ash Wednesday and the easiest way to do that was to make pancakes…hence the custom.

Who knew?

Living near New Orleans, I’m very familiar with Mardi Gras, where there are numerous parades day and night for what feels like weeks leading up to the big day.

“Fat Tuesday” is based on the similar principal of indulging yourself before fasting during Lent, and has turned into quite the celebration!

Same holiday, different traditions.

And speaking of different traditions, I’d love to hear from you on what you do during Lent?

I enjoy meditation and I’ve created singing meditations like this based on some of my favorite hymns.