Christian Cyclopedia

(Ger. Festnacht; Fastenabend; Fastenienstag). Three days immediately preceding Ash Wednesday, esp. Shrove Tuesday (also called Mardi Gras [Fr. “fat Tuesday”]). The name is derived from Lat. scribe, “to write,” in the sense of “prescribe,” sc. penance: hence shrive: administer absolution; hear confession. Confession and absolution on these days were thought of as preparation for the proper observance of Lent.