Fat Thursday ― Date, History, and Details
Fat Thursday may be something you want to learn more about, and we want to help with that.
Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Fat Thursday and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Fat Thursday and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Fat Thursday is a day of feasting and indulgence before the start of Lent. For Christians, Lent is a time of fasting and reflection, leading up to Easter. Fat Thursday is the last opportunity to indulge before giving up certain foods and activities for Lent.
Traditionally, people would eat rich, fatty foods on Fat Thursday. This was because, during Lent, people would be abstaining from these foods. Nowadays, people often use Fat Thursday as an excuse to eat all their favorite foods, regardless of whether or not they are giving anything up for Lent.
In some cultures, Fat Thursday is also known as Mardi Gras, or Shrove Tuesday. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”, referring to the tradition of eating rich, fatty foods on this day. Shrove Tuesday comes from the word “shrive”, meaning to confess one’s sins. This is because Lent is also a time of repentance and forgiveness.
So, whether you’re Catholic or not, if you’re looking for an excuse to indulge, Fat Thursday is the day for you!