Pancakes were and still are believed to be of good luck in many areas of the world as they contained many herbs and food stuffs associated with the promotion of prosperity and longevity.

This day became one of celebration announced by the 'Pancake Bell'. The sounding of this bell meant that villagers could return home and prepare the pancakes, and join in games and general merriment (pancake races and tossing the pancakes are just two examples of common traditions). In some areas of England the sounding of the bell is documented as far back as 1450, with the most well known being in Olney, Buckinghamshire.

The actual word Shrove derived from the word 'shrive' which means to confess sins. People were called to church on Shrove Tuesday to be shrived, that is to be forgiven and cleansed of all sins before the coming of Lent, which began the following day, Ash Wednesday.

The custom itself can be traced back several centuries when Shrove Tuesday was the last day that any form of festivities could take place before the period of Lent.

A traditional Shrove Tuesday sport still practiced in some places, is the Pancake race. Women race with pancakes in frying-pans, tossing them as they run. Tradition holds that the race was first started in the fifteenth century.

There are many customs connected with the making of pancakes, one being that the maid who could successfully cook and toss a pancake on Shrove Tuesday Would be married within the year. If an unfortunate pancake maker accidentally tossed ther pancakes on the fire, then tradition has it that she was carried ouside and deposited on the nearest dunghill!