

They are simply a mixture of flour, egg and milk poured onto a hot, greased surface and cooked on both sides until brown.
The Ancient Greeks and Romans ate them, people enjoyed them in the Middle Ages, and today they are eaten pretty much all over the world in various forms. Pancakes have been a food that has perennially sustained our species and they have had many meanings across various civilizations: as comfort food, as food for travellers, as breakfast food, as part of religious celebrations and as a great dessert.
There are quite a few superstitions associated with pancakes and with Pancake Day. According to Lore Cowan in Are you superstitious?
If you are a farmer or keep chickens, you should throw one of your pancakes to the cock. If he eats it all himself it is a bad omen, but if he shares it with the hens it is a sign of good fortune.
I don't keep chickens myself, but I might consider throwing a pancake to the pigeons today and hope that works in a similar way and brings me a bit of good luck.
The picture top right shows Ladybird Book print, The Big Pancake.
Links and previous posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/02/pancake-day.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/02/eat-drink-and-be-merry-for-tomorrow-we.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/02/lent-and-clutter-clearing-choices.html
Are you superstitious?
http://www.
Ladybird Book PRINT, The Big Pancake, 30
3 comments:
I had no idea it was "courting bad luck" not to eat pancakes today! I shall HAVE to indulge now!
I didn't realise that either!! Oh dear I will have to have some tonight now :D
do waffles count??? same type of batter. lol
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