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Shrove Tuesday is the last day before the long fast for the Lent period in many Christian churches and has many names, including Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, the Tuesday of Carnival, and Pancake Day.
The tradition of Shrove Tuesday derives from medieval Christianity, where Christians would enjoy one last day of feasting by using up all their eggs, butter, and milk – all of which were forbidden during the forthcoming Lent – to make pancakes and pastries.
Although the French term ‘Mardi Gras’ refers to a day of plenty, the term ‘Carnival’ – as it’s referred to in Spanish and Italian-speaking countries – is derived from the words “carne levar” (to take away meat) pointing out another aspect of the Lenten fast.
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