Lent and the Florist

Most of us are aware of Shrove Tuesday (Pancake day), but few realise the significance of eating pancakes!  Immediately following Shrove Tuesday is Ash Wednesday the first day of Lent (40 days preceding Easter).  Often the days count to more than 40 however as you don't count Sundays!

For Christians, Lent is a time to prepare for Easter and represents the 40 days when Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert.  During this time he didn't eat or drink anything.  

As Lent is a time of "fasting" Shrove Tuesday is the day to eat all those fattening things that you won't be able to eat during Lent.  For me that would be cake (so today I might just have the Lemon cake we have for class this evening), but historically that would have been eggs and milk!

Part of Lent is also the removal of all flowers from the church.  It is important as a florist to remember this!  Many churches will not allow any flowers in the church during this period.  Do check with individual churches if you have weddings as some do make exceptions.

Churches are filled with flowers on Easter Sunday representing new life. As Lent ends we celebrate with Easter Eggs (phew, at long last!)