Traditions are important because they link the past to the present and to the future. Whether they are beliefs or rituals or customs they have seen themselves passed through generation after generation. They can be religious, sporting, personal, national, you name it.
Today marks the beginning of a tradition that began in 1888 and occurs every four years. And is eagerly anticipated by rugby fans across the globe. A British and Irish Lions tour. Every four year cycle means a different Southern Hemisphere destination (Aus, South Africa,New Zealand). The best players of the home nations selected to represent the Lions is the ultimate honour. As it only happens every four years, it's the biggest thing in rugby apart from the World Cup.
This time New Zealand are the hosts and the first match of an intense tour today kicks off with thousands of British fans making their way down to NZ hoping to defeat the mighty All Blacks. For rugby fans these are games not to be missed.
The tradition and heritage means so much to the sport and fantastic to see as it continues to keep growing every tour.
What's your favourite tradition and why? And who are you picking to win the series?