Boys and Girls Gambol Around World Tree As Fertility Rites Usher in Vernal Equinox

Spring, sex, and symbolism were to hall the coming of the vernal equinox this morning, with fertility rites to mark the occasion scheduled to take place at 8:10 a.m. at the base of the World Tree in the Graduate Center.

Conducted by Thomas A. Lehrer 3G, the author of a recent poem about the sculpture, the religious services were to be highly symbolic of the "cosmic forces that move the universe." The vernal equinox actually occurred at 5:24 a.m., but Lehrer said that those participating in the affair felt that hour to be too "un-Christian."

Several members of Radcliffe's modern dance group were to present a version of the "Dance Progenie," an ancient Druid ceremony. Various Band members also promised to attend, worship, and perform.

Late last night, Lehrer led a group of fellow followers to the tree and draped greenery over its uplifted arms. When the monumental sculpture was erected, plans were made to polish it with Bon Ami each year at the vernal equinox.

Lehrer planned to sprinkle the cleanser about the base if he could find no volunteer to scale and scour.