This is the day before Lent begins. The day before Ash Wednesday. The day when all the fat is consumed before the privations of Lent. The customs don't seem to acknowledge the Sundays of Lent as days of relief from fasting, and days of celebration. Perhaps it is only those of us who don't fast so readily in our affluent society, who seem to need those days of weekly relief!
In French the day is known as Mardi Gras (which is, being translated, "fat Tuesday") That term is now known more for its connections with either Rio or Sydney! The Sydney Mardi Gras is near to the day, but not on the Tuesday!
English custom has us eat pancakes on this day, hence its other name of "Pancake Day". I really don't understand why eating unleavened bread is a preparation for Lent! Perhaps the tradition had a foretaste of the maple syrup and butter that is now often used on pancakes!
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. The custom (followed in St Philip's) is to be marked with ashes as a sign of penitence. (We shall do this during the eucharist at 10am or at a special service in the evening at 7.30pm) These ashes might be made from the palm crosses that were received at Palm Sunday service in the previous year. Another newer custom might be to burn paper messages of repentance or resolve.
Lenten calendar index
The Anglican Church of St Philip's O'Connor, Canberra, ACT, Australia
Services on Sunday: Holy Communion 8am and 10am. Wednesday 10am
Index page for the site is at http://www.acay.com.au/~stphil
This web site is designed and maintained by Linda Anchell. Write to: lindafrd@pcug.org.au
Index page for the site is at http://www.acay.com.au/~stphil
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