By Jay Jackson –
Fat Tuesday around here is always jam-packed with powdered sugar, glaze and cinnamon but it’s not always that the delicious traditional fried doughnuts can be enjoyed with the sun shining on the muncher’s face.
This year Fausnaught Day seems to be the start of an early spring, unlike last year. It is almost a full 20 degrees warmer this year than last year’s chilly, snowy winter. The weather is supposed to be flirting with 60 degrees all week.
Apparently our famous groundhog, Octoraro Orphie, the ground hog who DIDN’T see his shadow this year, got it right.
“It is supposed to to be so nice out this week,” said Janelle Musser a senior at Penn Manor. “I just hope it stays nice.”
Every year Fausnaught day swings around but many students don’t know the history of this holiday.
Fausnaught day originated as the day before Lent starts when people usually give up unhealthy foods or habits. Tradition has it that Fausnaught day was used to clean out the cabinet of all of the sugar, lard, fat, and butter that people give up during the time of Lent.
But many here are not familiar with the traiditon.
“I have no idea why we have Fausnaught day,” said senior Drew Purzycki.
For those that don’t know what Lent is, it is the Christian season of preparation before Easter.
In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter.
Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ for his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection.
But around here, most kids just want doughnuts.
“I just know that it is Fat Tuesday, and I love Fausnaughts,” Purzycki said.
“I love Fausnaught day, I eat so many that I want to die,” said Forrest Paes.
Penn Manor students may not know much about it but they do know how to celebrate Fausnaught day.
“I have like three boxes waiting for me and I am so excited to get home,” said Purszycki. “Powered sugar is definitely my favorite. It isn’t even close.”
“I went to Pine View (Acres Dairy) this morning to get mine. You have to get the best ones which are cinnamon sugar,” said Musser.
Musser may be an exception because she actually knows some background information about the fattening holiday.
“Yeah, you use up all of the fat and unhealthy stuff that you have before lent,” said Musser.
There are definitely some Fausnaught fanatics in Lancaster County.
“I like the gooey richness and the powdered sugar sprinkled across my lips,” said Ian Toomey who clams to be the biggest Fausnaught fan in Lancaster county.
Lent observers better eat up because the season of sacrifice is beginning.
“I am going to try to eat better and eat less junk food but it’s going to be so tough,” said Musser.
However some Penn Manorites aren’t going to give anything up.
“No way I am going to give anything up even though I probably should,” Toomey explained. “I just love Fausnaughts.”