Today - the first Sunday in Lent - was once known as Chalk Sunday in Ireland.
An engraving depicting a woman tossing pancakes on Shrove Tuesday - the feast day before the start of Lent - dating from the 19th century
Lent is an old English word meaning 'lengthen'. Lent is observed in spring, when the days begin to get longer. It allows Christians to remember Jesus's fasting in the desert. It is a time of giving things up and a test of self-discipline.
People who were single were considered to have disregarded their social duty to marry and enjoyed a lesser social status."Women's role at that time was about getting married, having children and keeping a house," said Ms Byrne. After sunset, noisy crowds went onto the streets of towns mocking the people who were single and telling them to "go to the Skelligs".
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Watch Newcastle United v Manchester United Live TV - Global channel listings for this SundayFind out on which channel you will be able to watch Newcastle United v Manchester United Live TV around the world on Sunday.
Read more »
Former Newcastle United owners, managers and CEOS - Who they want to win at Wembley on SundayFormer Newcastle United owners, managers and CEOS - Who they want to win at Wembley on Sunday nufc
Read more »
Tesco announces major changes affecting customers from SundayFurther changes could be on the way
Read more »
The Lazy Sunday Quiz: Test your general knowledge with these 10 questionsYou need to know about a lot of topics
Read more »
'I ate Sunday roast in the farm barn restaurant with rolling countryside views'An extraordinary dining experience awaits in the 'field kitchen' which serves up a Sunday feast, showcasing the seasonal vegetables they grow in the fields around it
Read more »
Rishi Sunak to defy Tory right and push ahead with Northern Ireland protocol deal\n\t\t\tGet local insights from Lisbon to Moscow with an unrivalled network of journalists across Europe,\n\t\t\texpert analysis, our dedicated ‘Brussels Briefing’ newsletter. Customise your myFT page to track\n\t\t\tthe countries of your choice.\n\t\t
Read more »