Greg Tuttle
he/him
Assisting Campus Minister
Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday are two significant days that mark the transition between the season after Pentecost and the solemn season of Lent. Shrove Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, is traditionally a day of feasting and revelry before the fasting and penance of Lent begin. It became customary to use up rich foods like eggs, sugar, and butter on Shrove Tuesday, as these were often prohibited during a Lenten fast. As such, the day has become associated with indulgence, marked by events like pancake races and family gatherings. And boy, did we gather at UCSD. Using my family recipe, we flung pancakes and served fruit and juices around dressed tables on a sunny day. Expecting pizza, we surprised our regulars and new friends and it was glorious.
The very next day, Ash Wednesday, ushers in a period of reflection and self-denial. It is marked by the ritual of receiving ashes on the forehead in the shape of a cross, symbolizing mortality, repentance, and connection with the dust of the universe. This day reminds Christians of their humble beginnings—" for dust you are, and to dust you will return"— where we supported discernment for all, a time for self-examination regarding the barriers that each of us creates between ourselves and the love of God. The contrast between the festive mood of Shrove Tuesday and the somber tone of Ash Wednesday serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of marking time with the spiritual rhythm that guides the Christian year. Under the tent at SDSU, some received ashes for the first time while others imposed ashes for the first time both with humble tears.
The marking of these two days, in tandem, helps to create a clear boundary between the celebratory and penitential, setting the tone for Lent and an encouragement to align ourselves with The Creator of the Universe.
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