Shrovetide

[5][6][7][8] The expression "Shrovetide" comes from the word shrive, referring to the receiving of absolution following confession.

[3][4] As such, during Shrovetide, many traditional Christians, such as Roman Catholics, Lutherans and Anglicans, "make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God's help in dealing with.

[18] During the liturgical season of Lent, believers have historically abstained from rich foods such as meat, eggs, lacticinia (dairy products), and alcohol—a practice that continues in Eastern Christianity (in denominations such as the Coptic Orthodox Church) and among Western Christian congregations practicing the Daniel Fast.

[6][7][8] Shrovetide provided Christians with the opportunity to use up these foods prior to the start of the 40-day fasting season of Lent.

[5][22] In many Christian parish churches, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, a popular Shrove Tuesday tradition is the ringing of the church bells (on this day, the toll is known as the Shriving Bell) "to call the faithful to confession before the solemn season of Lent" and for people to "begin frying their pancakes".