Shrove Tuesday

In the Christian calendar, Shrove Tuesday is the English name for the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which in turn marks the beginning of Lent. In many solidly Roman Catholic countries in Europe and the Americas, this is the last day of Carnival. In some historically Francophone places it is Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday"; the most famous celebration under this name is New Orleans Mardi Gras.

Related Topics:
Christian calendar - Tuesday - Ash Wednesday - Lent - Europe - The Americas - Carnival - Francophone - Mardi Gras - New Orleans Mardi Gras

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The origin of the name Shrove lies in the archaic English verb "to shrive" which means to absolve people of their sins. It was common in the Middle Ages for "shriveners" (priests) to hear people's confessions at this time, to prepare them for Lent.

Related Topics:
Archaic English - Middle Ages - Confession

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