It's not. That is, it's not a 'what', it's the past tense of 'to shrive', which means both to make a confession and to hear a confession.Today is Shrove Tuesday -- observed by many Christian denominations in the Western faith traditions -- so-called because it's the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent -- the season leading up to Holy Week and culminating in Easter.
Since February 5th, which this year was the fifth Sunday after Epiphany, we've actually been in Shrovetide -- a time when Christians are meant to be pondering what sacrifices they might make during Lent, and planning what sort of feasting and fun they can have (think 'Carnaval' or 'Mardi Gras') before they enter the somber season of reflection and sacrifice, remembering Christ's time in the wilderness, fasting, praying and resisting temptations to break his fast (turn stones into bread), jump to his death, or grab the brass ring of power -- by giving in and worshipping that the false god we call Satan.
It's a time in the weeks before Lent where Christians can examine their lives, their behaviours and habits, make confessions to clergy -- and make amends, reconciling with others whom they might have offended or with whom they might have quarelled, as well as praying for God's help to live life as God would have them live.
Today we mark the end of Shrovetide with Shrove Tuesday -- a day to follow confession and absolution by feasting for one last time on that which we might decide to give up for Lent; hence the tradition of "Pancake Day" or "Fat Tuesday" (Mardi Gras), which involves indulgence in sweets and baked treats slathered with butter and syrup.
Churches also use Shrove Tuesday as a day to burn the palms from last year's Palm Sunday, creating the ashes for use in the Ash Wednesday service that follows.
Perhaps, this evening, after we've eaten our pancakes and indulged in chocolate or pastries or a glass or two of our favourite tipples, we might pause one last time to thank our God for God's love, mercy, grace and blessings...and ask God to enable us to spend a holy Lent.
Almighty and everlasting God, you despise nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our brokenness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. AMEN.*
*The Collect for Ash Wednesday, from the Book of Alternative Services of the Anglican Church of Canada (1985), p. 281.
