In many parts of the world the period before Lent is a time for partying before a period of fasting and self-reflection. The Germans celebrate Fasching, Fasnacht or Karneval and the French have Mardi Gras. The translation of "Fastnacht" is "Eve of the Fast." The Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish celebrate only a single day--Fastnacht Day. The main tradition is the eating of fastnachts, which are unleavened, deep-fried doughnuts, usually made with a potatoe batter and is a way of using up the lard and before lent.
I know that this is really a regional thing, even on the state level. Eastern Pennsylvania is full of people of Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch background.
When I lived out near Pittsburgh I decided to go buy some Fastnachts on Fastnacht day, only to be looked at as if I had two heads. Apparently those soft coal stompers out there don't know what a Fastnacht is.
Anyways. Even if you can't find real Fastnacht, go out and buy a donut and eat it, and know that eating donuts on the day before Ash Wednesday is a Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish tradition, and a tasty way to bring in the Lenten season.
Posted by psugrad98 at February 8, 2005 12:51 PM
