English traditions: Happy Pancake day!

Pancake day is the day preceding Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent), which is celebrated in some countries by consuming pancakes before the fasting period of Lent. Pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar.

The Pancake Day remains a relatively common festive tradition in the UK, especially England, even today. The tradition is said to have originated in 1445 when a housewife from Olney, Buckinghamshire, 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, tossing it to prevent it from burning.