Americans are getting utterly confused as Brits celebrate Pancake Day

21 February 2023 , 13:05

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Americans are baffled by Brits adding lemon and sugar to pancakes (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

For many Brits, Pancake Day is one of the very best events of the year and makes for a great excuse to demolish a huge pile of pancakes smothered with your favourite toppings. It seems that a number of Americans have clue what all the fuss is about, however, as 'Pancake Day' is a completely alien notion to them.

A number of those across the pond have been left baffled to learn Pancake Day is a real thing, with some having assumed it was a made-up 'gag'. They've also taken issue with the classic lemon and sugar topping that so many of us will be piling on in heaped spoonfuls today.

Some assumed Pancake Day was just a made up 'gag' (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Taking to Twitter, LA-based TV writer Dana Schwartz reached out to her followers, asking: "Can someone British please explain Pancake Day to me?"

One person gasped: "Wait, that's a real thing? I've only heard of it on an episode of Maid Marian & Her Merry Men. I thought it was just a gag made up for the show."

A second individual commented: "What's more confusing is that their pancakes are thin like a crepe and they eat it with lemon and sugar!"

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Others were baffled by the thin, crepe texture of British pancakes (Getty Images)

A number of Brits also rushed to reply, with one explaining: "You make pancakes. Our pancakes are crepe-like pancakes and not thick American pancakes (both good in my opinion). They are a sort of last treat before lent. Traditionally come with sugar and lemon, but also jam and Nutella in more modern times."

Another added: "If you have never had a pancake/crepe stuck to your kitchen ceiling as a result of pancake day, you're doing it wrong."

Traditionally, Christians would be expected to give up luxury foods, such as butter and eggs, for the duration of Lent, to represent the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ during his time fasting in the desert.

Making pancakes the night before the start of Lent was a good, waste-free way to get rid of any tempting treats in the cupboard before switching to a more disciplined diet. Many modern Christians will still give up their favourite snacks for the 47 days leading up to Easter Sunday, and may forgo crisps, takeaways, or chocolate.

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Julia Banim