The day preceding the first day of Lent. The name 'shrove' comes from the verb shrive, which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by way of doing penance and Confession. On Shrove Tuesday people confess their sins so that they are forgiven before the season of Lent begins. Its alternative name, Pancake Tuesday, comes from the fact that Lent (a period of preparation for Easter) is a season of fasting. This meant that people had to use up the ingredients that were traditionally restricted during Lent (such as fat and eggs) by making and eating pancakes.