SooToday caught up with volunteers from Royal Canadian Legion this past Tuesday to find out more about its Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner celebration:
Pancake Day, otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday, is a Christian observation that marks the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. It is a period of indulgence prior to the start of the 40-day fast or the 40-day period leading up to Easter known as Lent.
It has also been referred to as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday referring to the practice of eating richer, fattier foods before Lent begins.
Fasting refers to the stoppage of consuming foods that impart undue pleasure often including, meat, dairy products and eggs.
Those observing Lent would take the opportunity to use up fat and eggs prior to the period of fasting by making pancakes which incorporate both. Evidence can be found of making and cooking pancakes well back into the 1400s and prior.
Some of the symbolism associated with the ingredients include: eggs - creation, flour - the staff of life, salt - wholesomeness, and milk - purity.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 in the Sault hosted their Shrove Tuesday Supper on Feb. 25, 2020 from 5 to 7 p.m. I spoke with retired Military Chaplain now Legion Chaplain, Patrick Vardy who explained the branch took up the tradition about three to four years ago after discovering a need in the community.
Volunteers cooked up and prepared the tasty meal of blueberry and plain pancakes, scrambled eggs, baked beans, ham and fruit cups.
These events are volunteer-driven and funds raised go right back to support the Legion’s sponsored events and community projects. They are separate fundraisers to those for veterans funds which go wholly to supporting veteran programs.