Ash Wednesday Forehead Mark

"After the reverly, time to reflect." At least that what comes to mind with the contrast between Mardi Gras or "Carnival," and Ash Wednesday. For those who don't know, Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent. For Catholics and more recently some Protestant denominations, the day offers church services in which the observers have their foreheads with a cross-shaped mark made of ashes.

Second Life Marketplace offers several forehead cross marks. Among them, a free one from Edd Thor, whom on his profile described himself as Episcopalian, "Ash Wednesday is observed by some denominations as the beginning of the time of preparation for Easter. A cross made of ashes may be placed on the forehead, perhaps with the words, "Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return." To the best of my knowledge, the church clip art from which these crosses are derived are public domain."

The item can be found on the Marketplace Here.

Ash Wednesday Forehead Mark Av Tattoo

I found out from a friend about this item in SL Marketplace, an avatar tattoo made to look like the forehead mark made during Ash Wednesday church ceremonies.

Get ready for Lent with this affordable Ash Wednesday ash for your forehead. It comes as a Second Life tattoo. Just click wear and you are good to go. The item transfers so get one for your family and friends. A wonderful way to observe the special time of Lent.

Made by JP Ivercourt, this product certainly stands out, virtual goods having a reputation of catering to vanity or the riskee.

Mardi Gras in Second Life

For those whom want to get in on the action for Mardi Gras, also known as Carnival (or the French translation of "Fat Tuesday"). the Second Life Destination Guide mentions two places. One is the "Mardi Gras at One Quarter French" - "Celebrate Mardi Gras at One Quarter French. On March 8, there will be a live musical performance at the Burlesque Club by Gina Gracemount, known for her smooth, bluesy style. Don't miss the French Quarter, Jackson Square, Bourbon Street and other familiar sites. " This event is at One Quarter French (66, 218, 23).

The other is the "Carnival in Germany in 3D" - "Celebrate Carnival, a multi-day event held through March 7 across Germany in 3D. Don't miss this exuberant party of craziness and pure fun as the traditional parade of funny wagons float from Cologne to Munich passing the in-between sims of virtual Germany." For this event, head to Virtuelles, Koeln (112, 202, 35).

Among the clubs having Mardi Gras events is the Queen of Hearts at Mystery. DJ Cameron will be playing, with a 500L contest prize. The club is located at Mystery, (79, 89, 23).

Mardi Gras originated from the practice in Catholic countries of people having events around the eating up the last of the fatty foods before the fasting of Lent.