It's got to be the largest concentration of pimiento cheese sandwiches and payphones in the world. I'm talking about the world-famous Masters Tournament, held the first full week in April at Augusta National Golf Club every year.
Cell phones are strictly forbidden. Get caught with one inside and you could lose those coveted tickets for life. The pimiento cheese sandwich, still sold for the unbelievable price of $1.50, is the unofficial traditional sandwich of the Masters, the first of the four major championships of golf. Don't even think of ordering it on rye or wheat -- it comes on white bread only -- and is served in thin green paper.
Unlike the other majors that are played at various locations, the Masters is held at Augusta National every year and several traditions, both formal and informal, are strictly upheld.
The Champions Dinner, which takes place on Tuesday night before the tournament begins, is a dinner hosted (and paid for) by the previous year's winner for all the previous champions. Dishes have ranged from haggis (Sandy Lyle, 1989) to fish and chips (Nick Faldo, 1997) to a multi-course Argentine barbecue (Angel Cabrera, 2010).
Each year the winner of the tournament is awarded the Green Jacket, and the winner of the previous year's tournament helps him into it. Members of the Augusta National have been wearing the jackets since 1937 and winners have been awarded one since 1949, the year Sam Sneed won.
It may be the most coveted article of clothing in the arena of sports, and the winners don't even get to keep it for more than a year. "It's green, it usually doesn't fit, and it's pretty awesome to quasi-own one," said Craig Stadler, who won his Green Jacket in 1982. A symbol of excellence and ritual, it has meaning far behind its bright green hue.
I believe it's these traditions and rituals, among many others observed during the week, that contribute to why the Masters is one of the world's favorite sporting events. Thousands angle to get one of the most sought-after and expensive tickets in sports, while millions more tune in to watch the players compete on the gorgeous bright green course surrounded by the brilliantly hued azaleas.
Rituals and traditions bring us comfort. They anchor us to our past and create memories we share with future generations. Even in our high-tech society, low-tech traditions still hold power over us and bring so much meaning to our lives. Winston Churchill once said, "A love for tradition has never weakened a nation, indeed it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril."
On a personal level, tradition and rituals also have the power to strengthen us through shared experiences. Think about your childhood. What do you remember most about your birthday, for example? The toys you may have received? Or more likely, is it that your mother always made you the same kind of cake and you were served on the special Happy Birthday platter.
In addition to creating lasting bonds, here's another wonderful thing about traditions. They don't have to cost a thing. Rituals are not about spending money. They are about spending time, sharing an experience, whether it's as simple as a kiss that a couple shares every night before going to bed or reading the same book to a child every night.
Many families have created their own traditions surrounding the Masters. Some families watch the movie "Caddyshack" just before the tournament. Others gather for the final round with their families or with friends, who all sport their own green jackets.
No matter what your rituals or traditions are for the Masters, or any other time of year, the important thing is that you have and honor them. Another fun thing about rituals? You can create new ones any time you like.
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