These days, people in many parts of the world are beginning the fasting period that lasts until Easter. And it doesn't go quietly! Before giving up meat, alcohol and sweets, it's time to indulge in a little more of the good stuff. Even though fasting is not as common as it used to be, we still hold on to our traditions: Shrovetide has a number of customs that the whole family enjoys.
Read on to find out why we do what we do - and why it's also worth visiting ScandiPark in Handewitt during Shrovetide.
Good morning! When the day starts with Shrovetide rice
Since the 1800s, people have been "sprucing each other up" with Shrovetide rice. Back then, however, it was mostly adults who teased each other in this way. The goal was to be the first to chase the others out of the haybox. In the old days, the rice was seen as a symbol of fertility. Today, when children wake up their parents with a beautifully decorated Shrovetide rice, it's probably done without so much teasing. Should the rice be decorated with both Shrovetide cut-outs and sweets? Liquorice snails from Haribo and Red Band gummy sweets are great for example - available at Scandinavian Park, of course.
Shrove Tuesday: Who will be the cat king?
Pulling the cat out of the barrel is another highlight for many families with children. But until the late 1800s, it was also a custom reserved for adults. You put a live black cat in the barrel and beat on it until the barrel broke and a terrified cat escaped. The cat symbolised evil. Fortunately, this cruel custom has long since been abandoned!
Do you also play the cat's cradle with the kids? At ScandiPark, you can buy kilos of chocolate and wine gum, ready to put in the barrel! For example, we have many XL packs - so there's enough for all the costumed participants. Choose from Toms Festival (1.9 kg), Toms Mini Favourites (2.4 kg) or Rexim Karameller (1 kg) and many more delicious treats! Our border shop always has a great selection of sweets on offer. Come to Handewitt and fill your shopping basket at low prices!
White Tuesday: Last day before Lent
You may have heard the term "Mardi Gras" or "Pancake Tuesday" before. Like Whit Tuesday, these are days when people traditionally indulge in particularly good and - in the old days - expensive food. The following day, Ash Wednesday, is the start of Lent. In the 1800s, "white" foods such as wheat flour and eggs cost a lot of money, hence the name. This is how Shrovetide buns became a thing in Denmark.
Today, they are available in many exciting versions: Old-fashioned Shrovetide buns made with yeast dough and cream are probably the most common. Some are also made with pastry dough and whipped cream filling. There are many variations that you can try at home! Do you have an amateur baker in you? In our border shop you can buy baking ingredients such as nuts, nougat, marzipan, almonds, cocoa, sugar, colourful crunch and sprinkles and much more. Explore our Click & Collect and unleash your creativity!
