Are you one of the few people who know that there really is a Pancake Day? Maybe too, you’re one of those that is looking forward to eating that King Cake in a few weeks. Meanwhile, others of you are worrying about what you’ll give up for Lent this spring.
But to the rest of us, that aren’t up to date on what has been known for centuries as the Liturgical Calendar, those last few lines might produce a “That’s Greek to me!” kind of comment. And rightly so.
If you aren’t familiar with, or don’t frequent a high church setting, unless you get the scoop from a friend or informed source, it’s a foreign topic all around.
But for some folks, those festive days and traditions are “dead serious’. Allow me to divulge.
Believe it or not, The Church (mostly Catholic in nature) has it’s very own calendar. Days, even weeks, feasts and more are carefully organized, spelled out and planned. They even come with their own COLOR that determines how to decorate during their “time.”
Here’s a sampling.
Did you know that Advent begins 4 Sundays before Christmas?
Or, that Christmastide (and the 12 Days of Christmas) actually begins on December 25?
How about the celebration of Epiphany on January 6 (a tip for some to take their decorations down) which celebrates the Wise Men’s visit to the Baby Jesus and kicks off the feast of Jesus’ Baptism.
So what does that all have to do with Pancakes, King Cakes and giving up something for Lent?
Mardi Gras ring a bell anyone?
Yep. That’s right. Here’s some future party conversation for you:
Shrove Tuesday/Fat Tuesday- MARDI GRAS:
Also known as Pancake Day, this is the last chance to party hearty before the Season of Fasting (Lent) which begins on the next day – Ash Wednesday.
ASH WEDNESDAY:
The Season of Lent begins. Preparation for the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. It’s when people give up something, like chocolate or…
It all ends in a massive celebration, called EASTER (the day Christ rose from the grave.)
Now, in all honesty, you won’t find any of the above “celebrations” or “traditions” (or any of their specific names or days) in the Bible, but that’s for another conversation. 🙂
In the meantime, stick around. We’ll dish a bit about these feast and fast days and more in the weeks ahead. If anything, you’ll sure sound smart at that next meeting, dining experience or church service. Or, if you’re smart, you’ll find a way to ask for a “religious holiday” or two? Well, maybe not. If you’re Agnostic, it’d be tricky to pull off.
🙂
Just my thoughts,
S.
