Shrovetide 2025: what the holiday symbolizes and how to make the perfect pancakes

Shrovetide is an ancient holiday that symbolizes the farewell to winter and the welcome of spring. It has pagan roots and is associated with the cult of the sun. After the adoption of Christianity, it began to be celebrated before Lent. The main symbol of the holiday is pancakes, which represent the sun.

The FoodOboz editorial team talks about the main symbols of Shrovetide and what is important to cook during these festive days.

The main symbols of Shrovetide:

1. Pancakes are the main symbol of the holiday. They represent the sun, warmth and new life.

2. The burning of straw effigy means saying goodbye to the cold and hope for a fruitful year.

3. Feasts and dances symbolize the awakening of nature, the joy of the approaching spring.

4. People believed that the further you go during sledding, the better the harvest will be.

5. Forgiveness (Cheesefare) Sunday is the last day of Shrovetide, when people ask each other for forgiveness in order to enter Lent with a clean soul.

What to cook for Shrovetide

It can be pancakes based on any batter and with different fillings! For a drink, it can be teas or compotes.

Recipe for the classic pancakes for Shrovetide

Ingredients:

• milk - 500 ml
• eggs - 2 pcs
• flour - 250 g
• sugar - 1 tbsp (optional)
• salt - 0.5 tsp
• vegetable oil - 2 tbsp (and a little more for frying)
• vanilla sugar - 1 tsp (optional)
• baking soda - 0.5 tsp (for fluffiness)

Method of preparation:

1. In a large bowl, mix the eggs with sugar and salt until smooth. Add milk and vanilla sugar, mix well again, and add flour, sifting it to avoid lumps. Mix thoroughly. Add baking soda and oil and whisk well again until smooth. The batter should be moderately liquid, like sour cream.

2. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and grease it with a little oil. Pour some batter onto the pan, swirling it around to distribute it evenly.

3. Fry on both sides until golden brown (usually 1-2 minutes per side).

Serve pancakes with honey, jam, sour cream or any other favorite toppings.