Sisters to mark Shrove Tuesday

Sisters Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration is preparing to observe its traditional Shrove Tuesday traditions.

The annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at the Church of the Transfiguration in Sisters provides a really tasty meal for a very low cost. Included in the meal are: pancakes, sausage, blueberry and maple syrups, homemade applesauce, orange juice, coffee and tea. A family of four or more can eat for only $10.00. Gluten-free pancakes by request. The cost is calculated to cover expenses, not as a fundraiser for the church.

Historically, Shrove Tuesday has been a memorable day, especially in Great Britain. Unlike Christmas, which is always on December 25, or Thanksgiving, which is always on the fourth Thursday of November, the date for other events like Shrove Tuesday, Lent and Easter change annually.

Shrove Tuesday is always 47 days before Easter Sunday. This year, that falls on February 25.

Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first spring full moon. This year, Easter will be celebrated on April 12. Lent, the time between Ash Wednesday, the day after Shrove Tuesday, and Easter is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebration of Easter.

In earlier years, and even now in some places, having pancakes was a way to use up eggs and fat before Lent starts on the next day. Though we in our country are lax about ridding our homes of dairy products, fat and eggs prior to Lent, we still practice using up those ingredients by adding some flour and making delicious pancakes.

The primary ingredients of pancakes have special significance this time of year. Eggs represent creation, flour is the staff of life, salt is wholesomeness and milk is purity.

Here in Sisters, everyone is invited to share in this Shrove Tuesday tradition. It will happen Tuesday, February 25, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 68825 Brooks Camp Rd.

The cost is $4 for adults; children ages 4-12 are $2; children under four eat for free; a family of 4 or more pays $10.