April Madness? Black Basketball and Lent

In the early days of basketball, the Christian origins of the game (in the YMCA) spawned an unwritten commandment that games were forbidden to be played between Ash Wednesday and Easter -- the 40-day period known as Lent (this year, March 1 to April 16).

The Lenten Season, as it was called, symbolized solidarity with Jesus, who, according to Biblical accounts, went into the wilderness for 40 days of fasting, soul-searching, and repentance before starting his ministry.

In contrast, the fun, frolic, dancing, and friendly hostilities enjoyed by players and spectators at basketball games was considered highly inappropriate during this solemn time.

This guideline was particularly strict among African American basketball teams that were eager to model the highest standards of the game in every possible way. Furthermore, many early black teams like the St. Christopher Club had strong links the churches.

Thus, the last big game of the Pre-Lenten Season was typically scheduled to coincide with Mardi Gras, the day before Ash Wednesday. Games resumed after Easter.

Eventually the resolve behind this guideline disintegrated in the face of mounting competition, the black public's growing hunger for the sport, and the resulting escalating financial opportunities (or temptations) open to African American club teams.

Just think -- if times hadn't changed you would be filling out an April Madness bracket!

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