The pagan vernal equinox customs are ancient practices that celebrate the arrival of spring and the equalization of day and night. These customs have been passed down through generations and continue to be observed by various cultures around the world. One significant custom associated with the pagan vernal equinox is the egg decorating and egg rolling. Eggs symbolize new life and fertility, which are closely associated with the arrival of spring. In many cultures, eggs are painted or decorated in vibrant colors and patterns. In some places, there are egg rolling competitions, where people roll hard-boiled eggs down a slope, and the egg that travels the farthest without breaking is declared the winner.

Watch magic bird a courtship of rivals

By Andy Katz
ESPN.com

Michael Jordan may be one of the top five athletes of the century, but he's not responsible for changing the NBA, or to some extent, the NCAA's Final Four.

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson can close the century knowing they resuscitated the pro game and gave new life to the college tournament.

Bird, the fair-haired white shooter from the sticks of Indiana, led an undefeated Indiana State to the national title game in 1979. Magic Johnson, the flashy, gregarious African-American point guard from urban Michigan, brought a taste of showtime to Michigan State.

That title game became one of the most documented finals in history -- it remains the highest-rated college basketball game ever, a contest that captivated the nation. It helped that neither program had a history of reaching the Final Four. UCLA had dominated most of the previous 15 years, but the '79 final gave us a taste of two programs that were led by stars. Bird and Magic helped set the tone for a 20-year period where players actually grabbed equal billing with the head coaches (does anyone remember who coached Indiana State?).

Also, the Bird-Magic showdown was a turning point for the NCAA Tournament, which became one of sports hottest properties. In November, CBS extended its current deal with the NCAA with an 11-year, $6 billion deal -- about $545 million per year to televise the tournament.

But that '79 title game has grown in importance in part because the Bird-Magic continued in the NBA. No other individual rivalry has moved from one level to the next without a time gap. Bird simply traded his light blue Sycamores' jersey for the Celtic green. Magic went from Spartan green and white to Laker yellow and purple.

The NBA has always been about one-on-one duels. Bird, the forward, and Magic, the point guard, didn't guard each other. But the rivalry continued as the Lakers and Celtics battled for NBA supremacy throughout the 1980s.

Championships
Lakers: 1980, '82, '85, '87, '88
Celtics: 1981, '84, '86

MVPs
Magic: 1987, '89, '90
Bird: 1984, '85, '86

Head-to-head
1984: Celtics 4, Lakers 3
1985: Lakers 4, Celtics 2
1987: Lakers 4, Celtics 2

Bird represented Boston, a blue-collar city. Magic's GQ persona was the right fit in Hollywood. It didn't hurt that Bird was white, playing in Boston, a city with a history of racial intolerance. It certainly helped that Magic was in Los Angeles, one of the most diverse cities in the nation.

Acknowledging the race issue isn't being racist. Certainly, the Celtics had African-American fans. But a healthy, respected rivalry between two players of different races was good for both cities and for the nation that followed the sport.

Playing seven-game series in Boston and Los Angeles brought the coasts closer together. Magic and Bird were the best competitors in the game -- the best players -- and their teams battled in three riveting championships in 1984, 1985 and 1987. In every year of the decade, either the Lakers or Celtics played for the title.

Remember this as well: When Magic and Bird entered the league in 1979, the NBA Finals were broadcast on a tape-delayed basis. You had to say up until 11:30 p.m. to watch Brent Musberger call the play-by-game. The league was riddled with drug problems and attendance was sagging.

Many like to credit David Stern with reviving the league. But where would David Stern be without Magic Johnson and Larry Bird?

With the NBA struggling for an identity (Julius Erving was viewed as a novelty), Bird and Magic gave the NBA star power. Jordan was still in college when Bird and Magic played in their first NBA Finals. The rivalry allowed the NBA to become a form of entertainment. The media loved the rivalry and the pair seemed to flourish in it, as well. They were loyal to their cities and their organizations, which played well across the nation. Neither player ever considered being traded and that allowed fans to root for teams they knew would mostly remain intact. Today, Scottie Pippen is trying for another NBA title with his third team in three years.

Jordan won six NBA titles, the last two against the Utah Jazz. He didn't have a rivalry with Karl Malone or John Stockton. For one thing, you can't have a rivalry if only one team wins. Bird and Magic were both winners, sometimes against each other. They helped create the interest in the Final Four and they made today's NBA.

Andy Katz is a staff writer for ESPN.com.

Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals

A history traces the competition between basketball players Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson.

In some places, there are egg rolling competitions, where people roll hard-boiled eggs down a slope, and the egg that travels the farthest without breaking is declared the winner. Another custom is the lighting of bonfires. These bonfires are meant to symbolize the warmth and light of the sun, which is becoming stronger as the days lengthen.

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People gather around these bonfires and often perform rituals or dances while jumping over the flames. This act is believed to cleanse and purify individuals and bring good fortune for the coming year. Additionally, the pagan vernal equinox customs often involve the planting of seeds or the creation of flower wreaths. The act of planting seeds represents the rebirth of the earth and the beginning of the agricultural season. People may create flower wreaths to wear or hang in their homes, symbolizing the beauty and abundance of nature during this time of year. Overall, the pagan vernal equinox customs are a rich tapestry of rituals that honor the changing of seasons and bring people together to celebrate new beginnings. These customs remind us of our connection to the earth and the cyclical nature of life. Even in modern times, many people still partake in these traditions, keeping the ancient customs alive and embracing the spirit of spring..

Reviews for "The Vernal Equinox as a Time for Renewal in Pagan Beliefs"

1. Sarah - 1/5:

I found the pagan vernal equinox customs to be extremely off-putting. The whole concept of worshiping nature and celebrating fertility rituals just doesn't sit well with me. I understand that everyone has their own beliefs, but for me, it just seemed too primitive and disconnected from reality. I prefer more modern and intellectual celebrations that promote inclusivity and progress.

2. Mark - 2/5:

I attended a pagan vernal equinox gathering out of curiosity, and I have to say, it was not my cup of tea. The whole event felt like a mishmash of odd traditions and nonsensical rituals. It lacked any coherent explanation or purpose. Additionally, the constant emphasis on the natural elements and fertility rituals made me uncomfortable. I appreciate that some people find meaning and solace in these customs, but for me, it was a confusing and unenjoyable experience.

3. Emily - 1/5:

I went to a pagan vernal equinox celebration with an open mind, but I left feeling disappointed and disturbed. The whole event felt like a bizarre and outdated attempt to connect with nature and spiritual energy. The rituals and chants seemed like meaningless acts, and it was hard for me to take any of it seriously. The whole experience left me feeling like I had wasted my time, and I would not recommend it to anyone who prefers more rational and grounded experiences.

Pagan Rituals for Planting and Fertility at the Vernal Equinox