In 1969, the Roman Church eliminated Passiontide from the liturgy. The Old Ivy faculty took the position that since they had never paid much heed to Rome in the past, they weren't about to start now.
So it's still called Passiontide at Saint Cecilia Chapel.
Germans call this day Black Sunday, and veil the statues and crucifixes in black cloth. There are very few statues in St. Cecilia Chapel. The largest is a large marble nude of Venus, Reclining donated by Mr. Woody of the Class of 1926, which rests in an alcove at the rear of the chapel near the door. Placing a veil on Venus is problematic due to the custom among male students to rub Venus' breast when entering or leaving the Chapel. Rub Venus' breast, the saying goes, and you will have good luck for the day. Not wishing to deprive students of good luck, the College does not veil the statue. However, the climate change and community organizing posters are removed, and congregants are discouraged from placing stuffed Easter bunnies on or near the Altar until Easter itself, or a day or two before.
In England, this day is called Carlin Sunday due to the custom of eating Carlin peas, which look like this:
Mr. Throb of the Theology faculty addresses a throng of students gathered outside the Dining Hall, waiting for dinner to be served.
"Today is Carlin Sunday, when we eat Carlin peas," says Mr. Throb.
"That's kind of random," whispers Roderick to Molly, who nods.
Inside the Dining Hall, Roderick discovers that Mr. Throb is quite serious about this pea business, as Carlin peas are the only culinary option. Roderick takes a bowl:
He sits with Molly, Anna and Megan and dutifully samples the peas.
"Hmmm. Interesting," he says. "Grainy, with just a hint of beef suet, vinegar and salt."
"They taste like crap," says Megan.
"I think that's the general idea," says Anna. "For Passiontide, we avoid earthly pleasures out of respect for the liturgy."
Megan stops eating. "Does that mean I should put away my sex toy for the season?"
"No, but you might want to use it a little less."
Roderick smiles. Moderation, he thinks, is not in Megan's vocabulary.
