SHROVE TUESDAY Christian (Western Churches)
‘Shrove’ relates to absolution from sin. Nowadays it is a day for eating and enjoyment. Often known as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), and is a time for carnivals and fairs.
It is the day before Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent), observed in many Christian countries through participating in confession and absolution, the ritual burning of the previous year’s Holy Week palms, finalizing one’s Lenten sacrifice, as well as eating sweet foods.
Shrove Tuesday is observed by many Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and Roman Catholics.