LETTER: Mardi Gras is too early

Editor,

I was wondering why Mardi Gras is being held Feb. 1 and not March 2 to 4, when it actually is. For those of you who do not know what Mardi Gras represents, I will briefly explain it.

Mardi Gras is a three-day period before Ash Wednesday, which is the start of Lent in the Catholic Church and many other Christian religions. Many of you may remember this day each year. It’s the day when us few crazy Catholics on campus walk around with black stuff on our foreheads.

The black is the “ashes” of burned palm leaves. Lent is the period of time between Ash Wednesday and Easter. It is a time of repentance, fasting and almsgiving. A common practice among Catholics is giving up one thing that you feel you cannot do without, such as meat, alcohol or sweets. As an alternative, one may do a good deed.

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, has become a celebration or party in many areas before this time of fasting.

The student body and student government should be aware of the fact that Mardi Gras is not just any old party. It has a religious significance for many religions, and before organizing an event such as this, STAB should have taken this into consideration. They should represent the entire student body and each of their beliefs.

This quote is taken from the ASUSU Web site and describes what will be offered at STAB’s Mardi Gras celebration.

“We have drinks, casinos, king cakes, a parade, drag queens, live music, DJ’s, a black light room, beads, and TONS OF FUN.”

I am very much for STAB’s Mardi Gras celebration, and I’m sure it will be “TONS OF FUN.” However, it should be at the beginning of March. Otherwise, it is like celebrating Christmas in November.

Christian Schoen