What does the word tradition mean

A tradition is a belief or behavior (folk custom) passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past.[1][2] A component of cultural expressions and folklore, common examples include holidays or impractical but socially meaningful clothes (like lawyers’ wigs or military officers’ spurs), but the idea has also been applied to social norms such as greetings. Traditions can persist and evolve for thousands of years—the word tradition itself derives from the Latin tradere literally meaning to transmit, to hand over, to give for safekeeping. While it is commonly assumed that traditions have an ancient history, many traditions have been invented on purpose, whether that be political or cultural, over short periods of time. Various academic disciplines also use the word in a variety of ways.

The phrase «according to tradition», or «by tradition», usually means that whatever information follows is known only by oral tradition, but is not supported (and perhaps may be refuted) by physical documentation, by a physical artifact, or other quality evidence. Tradition is used to indicate the quality of a piece of information being discussed. For example, «According to tradition, Homer was born on Chios, but many other locales have historically claimed him as theirs.» This tradition may never be proven or disproven. In another example, «King Arthur, by tradition a true British king, has inspired many well loved stories.» Whether they are documented fact or not does not decrease their value as cultural history and literature.[citation needed]

Traditions are a subject of study in several academic fields, especially in social sciences such as folklore studies, anthropology, archaeology, and biology.

The concept of tradition, as the notion of holding on to a previous time, is also found in political and philosophical discourse. For example, it is the basis of the political concept of traditionalism, and also strands of many world religions including traditional Catholicism. In artistic contexts, tradition is used to decide the correct display of an art form. For example, in the performance of traditional genres (such as traditional dance), adherence to guidelines dictating how an art form should be composed are given greater importance than the performer’s own preferences. A number of factors can exacerbate the loss of tradition, including industrialization, globalization, and the assimilation or marginalization of specific cultural groups. In response to this, tradition-preservation attempts have now been started in many countries around the world, focusing on aspects such as traditional languages. Tradition is usually contrasted with the goal of modernity and should be differentiated from customs, conventions, laws, norms, routines, rules and similar concepts.

Definition[edit]

The English word tradition comes from the Latin traditio via French, the noun from the verb tradere (to transmit, to hand over, to give for safekeeping); it was originally used in Roman law to refer to the concept of legal transfers and inheritance.[3][4] According to Anthony Giddens and others, the modern meaning of tradition evolved during the Enlightenment period, in opposition to modernity and progress.[3][5][6]

As with many other generic terms, there are many definitions of tradition.[1][2][4][7] The concept includes a number of interrelated ideas; the unifying one is that tradition refers to beliefs, objects or customs performed or believed in the past, originating in it, transmitted through time by being taught by one generation to the next, and are performed or believed in the present.[1][2]

Tradition can also refer to beliefs or customs that are Prehistoric, with lost or arcane origins, existing from time immemorial.[8] Originally, traditions were passed orally, without the need for a writing system. Tools to aid this process include poetic devices such as rhyme and alliteration. The stories thus preserved are also referred to as tradition, or as part of an oral tradition. Even such traditions, however, are presumed to have originated (been «invented» by humans) at some point.[2][3] Traditions are often presumed to be ancient, unalterable, and deeply important, though they may sometimes be much less «natural» than is presumed.[9][10] It is presumed that at least two transmissions over three generations are required for a practice, belief or object to be seen as traditional.[8] Some traditions were deliberately invented for one reason or another, often to highlight or enhance the importance of a certain institution.[11] Traditions may also be adapted to suit the needs of the day, and the changes can become accepted as a part of the ancient tradition.[9][12] Tradition changes slowly, with changes from one generation to the next being seen as significant.[13] Thus, those carrying out the traditions will not be consciously aware of the change, and even if a tradition undergoes major changes over many generations, it will be seen as unchanged.[13]

There are various origins and fields of tradition; they can refer to:

  1. the forms of artistic heritage of a particular culture.[14]
  2. beliefs or customs instituted and maintained by societies and governments, such as national anthems and national holidays, such as Federal holidays in the United States.[9][10]
  3. beliefs or customs maintained by religious denominations and Church bodies that share history, customs, culture, and, to some extent, body of teachings.[15][3] For example, one can speak of Islam’s tradition or Christianity’s tradition.

Many objects, beliefs and customs can be traditional.[2] Rituals of social interaction can be traditional, with phrases and gestures such as saying «thank you», sending birth announcements, greeting cards, etc.[2][16][17] Tradition can also refer to larger concepts practiced by groups (family traditions at Christmas[17]), organizations (company’s picnic) or societies, such as the practice of national and public holidays.[9][10] Some of the oldest traditions include monotheism (three millennia) and citizenship (two millennia).[18] It can also include material objects, such as buildings, works of art or tools.[2]

Tradition is often used as an adjective, in contexts such as traditional music, traditional medicine, traditional values and others.[1] In such constructions tradition refers to specific values and materials particular to the discussed context, passed through generations.[3]

Invention of tradition[edit]

The term «invention of tradition», introduced by E. J. Hobsbawm, refers to situations when a new practice or object is introduced in a manner that implies a connection with the past that is not necessarily present.[19] A tradition may be deliberately created and promulgated for personal, commercial, political, or national self-interest, as was done in colonial Africa; or it may be adopted rapidly based on a single highly publicized event, rather than developing and spreading organically in a population, as in the case of the white wedding dress, which only became popular after Queen Victoria wore a white gown at her wedding to Albert of Saxe-Coburg.[20]

An example of an invention of tradition is the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster (location of the British Parliament) in the Gothic style.[19] Similarly, most of the traditions associated with monarchy of the United Kingdom, seen as rooted deep in history, actually date to 19th century.[12] Other examples include the invention of tradition in Africa and other colonial holdings by the occupying forces.[21] Requiring legitimacy, the colonial power would often invent a «tradition» which they could use to legitimize their own position. For example, a certain succession to a chiefdom might be recognized by a colonial power as traditional in order to favour their own candidates for the job. Often these inventions were based in some form of tradition, but were exaggerated, distorted, or biased toward a particular interpretation.

Invented traditions are a central component of modern national cultures, providing a commonality of experience and promoting the unified national identity espoused by nationalism.[22] Common examples include public holidays (particularly those unique to a particular nation), the singing of national anthems, and traditional national cuisine (see national dish). Expatriate and immigrant communities may continue to practice the national traditions of their home nation.

In scholarly discourse[edit]

In science, tradition is often used in the literature in order to define the relationship of an author’s thoughts to that of his or her field.[23] In 1948, philosopher of science Karl Popper suggested that there should be a «rational theory of tradition» applied to science which was fundamentally sociological. For Popper, each scientist who embarks on a certain research trend inherits the tradition of the scientists before them as he or she inherits their studies and any conclusions that superseded it.[23] Unlike myth, which is a means of explaining the natural world through means other than logical criticism, scientific tradition was inherited from Socrates, who proposed critical discussion, according to Popper.[24] For Thomas Kuhn, who presented his thoughts in a paper presented in 1977, a sense of such a critical inheritance of tradition is, historically, what sets apart the best scientists who change their fields is an embracement of tradition.[24]

Traditions are a subject of study in several academic fields in social sciences—chiefly anthropology, archaeology, and biology—with somewhat different meanings in different fields. It is also used in varying contexts in other fields, such as history, psychology and sociology. Social scientists and others have worked to refine the commonsense concept of tradition to make it into a useful concept for scholarly analysis. In the 1970s and 1980s, Edward Shils explored the concept in detail.[17] Since then, a wide variety of social scientists have criticized traditional ideas about tradition; meanwhile, «tradition» has come into usage in biology as applied to nonhuman animals.

Tradition as a concept variously defined in different disciplines should not be confused with various traditions (perspectives, approaches) in those disciplines.[25]

Anthropology[edit]

Tradition is one of the key concepts in anthropology; it can be said that anthropology is the study of «tradition in traditional societies».[7] There is however no «theory of tradition», as for most anthropologists the need to discuss what tradition is seems unnecessary, as defining tradition is both unnecessary (everyone can be expected to know what it is) and unimportant (as small differences in definition would be just technical).[7] There are however dissenting views; scholars such as Pascal Boyer argue that defining tradition and developing theories about it are important to the discipline.[7]

Archaeology[edit]

In archaeology, the term tradition is a set of cultures or industries which appear to develop on from one another over a period of time. The term is especially common in the study of American archaeology.[17]

Biology[edit]

Biologists, when examining groups of non-humans, have observed repeated behaviors which are taught within communities from one generation to the next. Tradition is defined in biology as «a behavioral practice that is relatively enduring (i.e., is performed repeatedly over a period of time), that is shared among two or more members of a group, that depends in part on socially aided learning for its generation in new practitioners», and has been called a precursor to «culture» in the anthropological sense.[26]

Behavioral traditions have been observed in groups of fish, birds, and mammals. Groups of orangutans and chimpanzees, in particular, may display large numbers of behavioral traditions, and in chimpanzees, transfer of traditional behavior from one group to another (not just within a group) has been observed. Such behavioral traditions may have evolutionary significance, allowing adaptation at a faster rate than genetic change.[27]

Musicology and ethnomusicology[edit]

A traditional setting of the last passage of the first tractate, Berakhot of the Oral Torah, which describes how scholars of the Talmud create peace in the world. Performed by Cantor Meyer Kanewsky in 1919 for Edison Records.

In the field of musicology and ethnomusicology tradition refers to the belief systems, repertoire, techniques, style and culture that is passed down through subsequent generations. Tradition in music suggests a historical context with which one can perceive distinguishable patterns. Along with a sense of history, traditions have a fluidity that cause them to evolve and adapt over time.
While both musicology and ethnomusicology are defined by being ‘the scholarly study of music’[28] they differ in their methodology and subject of research. ‘Tradition, or traditions, can be presented as a context in which to study the work of a specific composer or as a part of a wide-ranging historical perspective.’[29]

Sociology[edit]

The concept of tradition, in early sociological research (around the turn of the 19th and 20th century), referred to that of the traditional society, as contrasted by the more modern industrial society.[12] This approach was most notably portrayed in Max Weber’s concepts of traditional authority and modern rational-legal authority.[12] In more modern works, One hundred years later, sociology sees tradition as a social construct used to contrast past with the present and as a form of rationality used to justify certain course of action.[12]

Traditional society is characterized by lack of distinction between family and business, division of labor influenced primarily by age, gender, and status, high position of custom in the system of values, self-sufficiency, preference to saving and accumulation of capital instead of productive investment, relative autarky.[12] Early theories positing the simple, unilineal evolution of societies from traditional to industrial model are now seen as too simplistic.[12]

In 1981, Edward Shils in his book Tradition put forward a definition of tradition that became universally accepted.[12] According to Shils, tradition is anything which is transmitted or handed down from the past to the present.[12]

Another important sociological aspect of tradition is the one that relates to rationality. It is also related to the works of Max Weber (see theories of rationality), and were popularized and redefined in 1992 by Raymond Boudon in his book Action.[12] In this context tradition refers to the mode of thinking and action justified as «it has always been that way».[12] This line of reasoning forms the basis of the logical flaw of the appeal to tradition (or argumentum ad antiquitatem),[30] which takes the form «this is right because we’ve always done it this way.»[31] In most cases such an appeal can be refuted on the grounds that the «tradition» being advocated may no longer be desirable, or, indeed, may never have been despite its previous popularity.

Philosophy[edit]

The idea of tradition is important in philosophy. Twentieth century philosophy is often divided between an ‘analytic’ tradition, dominant in Anglophone and Scandinavian countries, and a ‘continental’ tradition, dominant in German and Romance speaking Europe. Increasingly central to continental philosophy is the project of deconstructing what its proponents, following Martin Heidegger, call ‘the tradition’, which began with Plato and Aristotle. In contrast, some continental philosophers — most notably, Hans-Georg Gadamer — have attempted to rehabilitate the tradition of Aristotelianism. This move has been replicated within analytic philosophy by Alasdair MacIntyre. However, MacIntyre has himself deconstructed the idea of ‘the tradition’, instead posing Aristotelianism as one philosophical tradition in rivalry with others.

In political and religious discourse[edit]

The concepts of tradition and traditional values are frequently used in political and religious discourse to establish the legitimacy of a particular set of values. In the United States in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the concept of tradition has been used to argue for the centrality and legitimacy of conservative religious values.[32] Similarly, strands of orthodox theological thought from a number of world religions openly identify themselves as wanting a return to tradition. For example, the term «traditionalist Catholic» refers to those, such as Archbishop Lefebvre, who want the worship and practices of the Church to be as they were before the Second Vatican Council of 1962–65.[33] Likewise, Sunni Muslims are referred to as Ahl el-Sunnah wa Al-Jamā‘ah (Arabic: أهل السنة والجماعة), literally «people of the tradition [of Muhammad] and the community», emphasizing their attachment to religious and cultural tradition.

More generally, tradition has been used as a way of determining the political spectrum, with right-wing parties having a stronger affinity to certain ways of the past than left-wing ones.[34] Here, the concept of adherence tradition is embodied by the political philosophy of traditionalist conservatism (or simply traditionalism), which emphasizes the need for the principles of natural law and transcendent moral order, hierarchy and organic unity, agrarianism, classicism and high culture, and the intersecting spheres of loyalty.[35] Traditionalists would therefore reject the notions of individualism, liberalism, modernity, and social progress, but promote cultural and educational renewal,[36] and revive interest in the Church, the family, the State and local community. This view has been criticised for including in its notion of tradition practices which are no longer considered to be desirable, for example, stereotypical views of the place of women in domestic affairs.[37]

In other societies, especially ones experiencing rapid social change, the idea of what is «traditional» may be widely contested, with different groups striving to establish their own values as the legitimate traditional ones. Defining and enacting traditions in some cases can be the means of building unity between subgroups in a diverse society; in other cases, tradition is a means of othering and keeping groups distinct from one another.[32]

In artistic discourse[edit]

Holiday celebrations may be passed down as traditions, as is the case with this distinctly Polish Christmas meal, decor with Christmas tree, a tradition since the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

In artistic contexts, in the performance of traditional genres (such as traditional dance), adherence to traditional guidelines is of greater importance than performer’s preferences.[1] It is often the unchanging form of certain arts that leads to their perception as traditional.[1] For artistic endeavors, tradition has been used as a contrast to creativity, with traditional and folk art associated with unoriginal imitation or repetition, in contrast to fine art, which is valued for being original and unique. More recent philosophy of art, however, considers interaction with tradition as integral to the development of new artistic expression.[32]

Relationship to other concepts[edit]

In the social sciences, tradition is often contrasted with modernity, particularly in terms of whole societies. This dichotomy is generally associated with a linear model of social change, in which societies progress from being traditional to being modern.[38] Tradition-oriented societies have been characterized as valuing filial piety, harmony and group welfare, stability, and interdependence, while a society exhibiting modernity would value «individualism (with free will and choice), mobility, and progress.»[32] Another author discussing tradition in relationship to modernity, Anthony Giddens, sees tradition as something bound to ritual, where ritual guarantees the continuation of tradition.[39] Gusfield and others, though, criticize this dichotomy as oversimplified, arguing that tradition is dynamic, heterogeneous, and coexists successfully with modernity even within individuals.[38]

Tradition should be differentiated from customs, conventions, laws, norms, routines, rules and similar concepts. Whereas tradition is supposed to be invariable, they are seen as more flexible and subject to innovation and change.[1][9] Whereas justification for tradition is ideological, the justification for other similar concepts is more practical or technical.[10] Over time, customs, routines, conventions, rules and such can evolve into traditions, but that usually requires that they stop having (primarily) a practical purpose.[10] For example, wigs worn by lawyers were at first common and fashionable; spurs worn by military officials were at first practical but now are both impractical and traditional.[10]

Preservation[edit]

A woman welcoming the Shabbat, a tradition dating back over 3,300 years

The legal protection of tradition includes a number of international agreements and national laws. In addition to the fundamental protection of cultural property, there is also cooperation between the United Nations, UNESCO and Blue Shield International in the protection or recording of traditions and customs. The protection of culture and traditions is becoming increasingly important nationally and internationally.[40][41][42][43][44]

In many countries, concerted attempts are being made to preserve traditions that are at risk of being lost. A number of factors can exacerbate the loss of tradition, including industrialization, globalization, and the assimilation or marginalization of specific cultural groups.[45] Customary celebrations and lifestyles are among the traditions that are sought to be preserved.[46] Likewise, the concept of tradition has been used to defend the preservation and reintroduction of minority languages such as Cornish under the auspices of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.[47] Specifically, the charter holds that these languages «contribute to the maintenance and development of Europe’s cultural wealth and traditions». The Charter goes on to call for «the use or adoption… of traditional and correct forms of place-names in regional or minority languages».[48] Similarly, UNESCO includes both «oral tradition» and «traditional manifestations» in its definition of a country’s cultural properties and heritage. So therefore it works to preserve tradition in countries such as Brazil.[49]

In Japan, certain artworks, structures, craft techniques and performing arts are considered by the Japanese government to be a precious legacy of the Japanese people, and are protected under the Japanese Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties.[50] This law also identifies people skilled at traditional arts as «National Living Treasures», and encourages the preservation of their craft.[51]

For native peoples like the Māori in New Zealand, there is conflict between the fluid identity assumed as part of modern society and the traditional identity with the obligations that accompany it; the loss of language heightens the feeling of isolation and damages the ability to perpetuate tradition.[45]

Traditional cultural expressions[edit]

The phrase «traditional cultural expressions» is used by the World Intellectual Property Organization to refer to «any form of artistic and literary expression in which traditional culture and knowledge are embodied. They are transmitted from one generation to the next, and include handmade textiles, paintings, stories, legends, ceremonies, music, songs, rhythms and dance.»[52]

See also[edit]

  • Folklore
  • Origin myth
  • Perennial philosophy
  • Sacred tradition
  • Traditionalism

References[edit]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Thomas A. Green (1997). Folklore: an encyclopedia of beliefs, customs, tales, music, and art. ABC-CLIO. p. 800. ISBN 978-0-87436-986-1.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Shils 12
  3. ^ a b c d e Anthony Giddens (2003). Runaway world: how globalization is reshaping our lives. Taylor & Francis. p. 39. ISBN 978-0-415-94487-8.
  4. ^ a b Yves Congar (October 2004). The meaning of tradition. Ignatius Press. p. 9. ISBN 978-1-58617-021-9.
  5. ^ Shils 3–6
  6. ^ Shils 18
  7. ^ a b c d Pascal Boyer (1990). Tradition as truth and communication: a cognitive description of traditional discourse. Cambridge University Press. p. 7. ISBN 978-0-521-37417-0.
  8. ^ a b Shils 15
  9. ^ a b c d e Hobsbawm 2–3
  10. ^ a b c d e f Hobsbawm 3–4
  11. ^ Hobsbawm 1
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Langlois, S. (2001). «Traditions: Social». International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences. pp. 15829–15833. doi:10.1016/B0-08-043076-7/02028-3. ISBN 9780080430768.
  13. ^ a b Shils 14
  14. ^ Lilburn, Douglas (1984). A Search for Tradition. Wellington: Alexander Turnbull Library Endowment Trust, assisted by the New Zealand Composers Foundation. ISBN 0-908702-00-0.[page needed]
  15. ^ Michael A. Williams; Collett Cox; Martin S. Jaffee (1992). Innovation in religious traditions: essays in the interpretation of religious change. Walter de Gruyter. p. 1. ISBN 978-3-11-012780-5.
  16. ^ Pascal Boyer (1990). Tradition as truth and communication: a cognitive description of traditional discourse. Cambridge University Press. p. 8. ISBN 978-0-521-37417-0.
  17. ^ a b c d Handler, Richard; Jocelyn Innekin (1984). «Tradition, Genuine or Spurious». Journal of American Folklore. 29.
  18. ^ Shils 16
  19. ^ a b Hobsbawm 1–2
  20. ^ Ingraham, Chrys (2008). White Weddings: Romancing Heterosexuality in Popular Culture. New York: Taylor & Francis, Inc. pp. 60–61. ISBN 978-0-415-95194-4.
  21. ^ Terence Ranger, The Invention of Tradition in Colonial Africa, in E. J. (Eric J.) Hobsbawm; T. O. (Terence O.) Ranger (31 July 1992). The Invention of tradition. Cambridge University Press. pp. 211–263. ISBN 978-0-521-43773-8.
  22. ^ Hobsbawm 7
  23. ^ a b Kurz-Milke and Martignon 129
  24. ^ a b Kurz-Milke and Martignon 129–130
  25. ^ Sujata Patel (October 2009). The ISA Handbook of Diverse Sociological Traditions. SAGE Publications. p. 5. ISBN 978-1-84787-402-3.
  26. ^ Fragaszy and Perry 2, 12
  27. ^ Whiten, Andrew; Antoine Spiteri; Victoria Horner; Kristin E. Bonnie; Susan P. Lambeth; Steven J. Schapiro; Frans B.M. de Waal (2007). «Transmission of Multiple Traditions within and between Chimpanzee Groups». Current Biology. 17 (12): 1038–1043. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2007.05.031. ISSN 0960-9822. PMID 17555968. S2CID 1236151.
  28. ^ Duckles, Vincent. «Musicology». Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. Retrieved 6 October 2011.
  29. ^ Kenneth Gloag, David Beard (2005). Musicology The Key Concepts. Routledge.
  30. ^ Texas University. «Is-Ought fallacy». Fallacies Definitions. Texas State University Department of Philosophy. Archived from the original on 26 August 2006. Retrieved 7 February 2008.
  31. ^ Trufant, William (1917). Argumentation and Debating. Houghton Mifflin company. Digitized 9 May 2007.
  32. ^ a b c d Bronner, Simon J. «Tradition» in International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. Ed. William A. Darity, Jr.. Vol. 8. 2nd ed. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2008. p420-422.
  33. ^ Marty, Martin E.; R. Scott Appleby (1994). Fundamentalisms observed. University of Chicago Press. p. 92. ISBN 978-0-226-50878-8.
  34. ^ Farrell, Henry John; Lawrence, Eric; Sides, John (2008). «Self-Segregation or Deliberation? Blog Readership, Participation and Polarization in American Politics». SSRN Working Paper Series. doi:10.2139/ssrn.1151490. ISSN 1556-5068.
  35. ^ Frohnen, Bruce, Jeremy Beer, and Jeffrey O. Nelson, ed. (2006) American Conservatism: An Encyclopedia Wilmington, DE: ISI Books, pp. 870–875.
  36. ^ Frohnen, Bruce, Jeremy Beer, and Jeffrey O. Nelson, ed. (2006) American Conservatism: An Encyclopedia Wilmington, DE: ISI Books, p. 870.
  37. ^ M. Dwayne Smith; George D. Self (1981). «Feminists and traditionalists: An attitudinal comparison». Sex Roles. 7 (2): 183–188. doi:10.1007/BF00287804. S2CID 143401247.
  38. ^ a b Gusfield, Joseph R. (1 January 1967). «Tradition and Modernity: Misplaced Polarities in the Study of Social Change». The American Journal of Sociology. 72 (4): 351–362. doi:10.1086/224334. ISSN 0002-9602. JSTOR 2775860. PMID 6071952. S2CID 8013111.
  39. ^ Giddens, «Living in a Post-Traditional Society» 64
  40. ^ «UNESCO Legal Instruments: Second Protocol to the Hague Convention of 1954 for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict 1999». Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  41. ^ Roger O’Keefe, Camille Péron, Tofig Musayev, Gianluca Ferrari «Protection of Cultural Property. Military Manual.» UNESCO, 2016.
  42. ^ Gerold Keusch «Kulturschutz in der Ära der Identitätskriege» (German) in Truppendienst — Magazin des Österreichischen Bundesheeres, 24 October 2018.
  43. ^ Vgl. auch «Karl von Habsburg on a mission in Lebanon» (in German). Archived from the original on 26 May 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  44. ^ Vgl. z. B. Corine Wegener, Marjan Otter: Cultural Property at War: Protecting Heritage during Armed Conflict. In: The Getty Conservation Institute, Newsletter 23.1, Spring 2008; Eden Stiffman: Cultural Preservation in Disasters, War Zones. Presents Big Challenges. In: The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 11 May 2015.
  45. ^ a b McIntosh, Tracey (2005). «Maori Identities: Fixed, Fluid, Forced». In James H. Liu (ed.). New Zealand identities: departures and destinations. Wellington, N.Z.: Victoria University Press. p. 40. ISBN 0-86473-517-0.
  46. ^ «Bahrain seeks to preserve ancient pearling traditions». CNN. 11 March 2010. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  47. ^ Richard Savill (12 November 2009). «Cornish street signs to be translated». The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 6 February 2010.
  48. ^ «European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages». Council of Europe. 5 November 1992. Archived from the original on 26 February 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2010.
  49. ^ «World Heritage in Brazil». UNESCO. Archived from the original on 26 January 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2011.
  50. ^ «Cultural Properties for Future Generations» (PDF). Administration of Cultural Affairs in Japan ― Fiscal 2009. Agency for Cultural Affairs. June 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 March 2009.
  51. ^ «Treasures of Japan – Its Living Artists». San Francisco Chronicle. 30 May 1999. Archived from the original on 11 May 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  52. ^ Zuckermann, Ghil’ad; et al. (2015), ENGAGING — A Guide to Interacting Respectfully and Reciprocally with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, and their Arts Practices and Intellectual Property (PDF), Australian Government: Indigenous Culture Support, p. 7, archived from the original (PDF) on 30 March 2016

Works cited[edit]

  • Fragaszy, Dorothy Munkenbeck; Perry, Susan (2003). Towards a biology of traditions. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-81597-0.
  • Giddens, Anthony (1994). «Living in a Post-Traditional Society». Reflexive modernization: politics, tradition and aesthetics in the modern social order. Stanford University Press. ISBN 978-0-8047-2472-2.
  • Hobsbawm, E. J., Introduction: Inventing Traditions, in E. J. (Eric J.) Hobsbawm; T. O. (Terence O.) Ranger (31 July 1992). The Invention of tradition. Cambridge University Pressv. ISBN 978-0-521-43773-8.
  • Kurz-Milcke, Elke; Maritgnon, Laura (2002). «Modeling Practices and «Tradition»«. Model-based reasoning: science, technology, values. Springer. pp. 127–144. ISBN 978-0-306-47244-2.
  • Shils, Edward (1 August 2006). Tradition. University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0-226-75326-3.

Further reading[edit]

  • Sowell, T (1980) Knowledge and Decisions Basic Books. ISBN 0-465-03738-0
  • Polanyi, M (1964) Personal Knowledge: Towards a Post-Critical Philosophy ISBN 0-226-67288-3
  • Pelikan, Jaroslav (1984). The Vindication of Tradition. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press. ISBN 0-300-03638-8 pbk.
  • Klein, Ernest, Dr., A comprehensive etymological dictionary of the English language: Dealing with the origin of words and their sense development thus illustrating the history and civilization of culture, Elsevier, Oxford, 7th ed., 2000.

External links[edit]

  • Media related to Traditions at Wikimedia Commons
  • https://hindi.webdunia.com/my-blog/parampara-nagar-chorasi-118100600052_1.html

Wikiquote has quotations related to Tradition.


Asked by: Gloria Auer

Score: 4.4/5
(75 votes)

A tradition is a belief or behavior passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past.

What is the short definition of tradition?

1 : the handing down of information, beliefs, or customs from one generation to another. 2 : a belief or custom handed down from one generation to another. tradition.

What are examples of traditions?

The definition of a tradition is a custom or belief that is passed down through the generations or that is done time after time or year after year. An example of a tradition is eating turkey on Thanksgiving or putting up a tree on Christmas.

What is the meaning of tradition and culture?

The main difference between culture and tradition is that traditions describe a group’s beliefs and behaviors that are passed down from one generation to another. Culture describes the shared characteristics of the entire group, which has been amassed throughout its history.

What is a tradition for kids?

Traditions can be any combination of stories, beliefs, rituals and customs that your family maintains and passes on from one year to the next (and one generation to another). Children and family psychologists agree that these traditions and rituals are an important part of childhood development.

32 related questions found

Why traditions are so important?

Traditions are important in our lives and provide many benefits. We intentionally create and continue traditions because they provide a sense of belonging and meaning to our lives. Family rituals nurture connection and give us comfort. … Traditions also provide a constant for us in an ever-changing and fast-paced life.

How do you explain tradition to a child?

definition 1: the handing down of a culture’s beliefs and customs from parents to children over many years.

What is tradition in the Bible?

Tradition is rather understood as the fullness of divine truth proclaimed in the scriptures, preserved by the apostolic bishops and expressed in the life of the Church through such things as the Divine Liturgy and the Holy Mysteries (Eucharist, baptism, marriage, etc.), the Creed and other doctrinal definitions of the …

What makes a tradition a tradition?

A tradition is a belief or behavior (folk custom) passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past.

What is the meaning of traditional beliefs?

adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] Traditional customs, beliefs, or methods are ones that have existed for a long time without changing.

What are some bad traditions?

Harmful traditional practices

  • Early child marriage. Child marriage is an issue that is pervasive still across many countries due to economic, social and cultural norms. …
  • Female genital mutilation. …
  • Corporal punishment. …
  • Scarification.

What family traditions do you have?

Fun Family Traditions: Family Tradition Examples

  • Family Tradition Restaurant. Many families have incorporated a favorite restaurant into their family traditions. …
  • Family Tradition Quotes and Sayings. …
  • Favorite Vacation Spot. …
  • Sports Game Ritual. …
  • Family Heirlooms. …
  • Family Recipes. …
  • Family Meal Time. …
  • Family Superstitions.

What are common family traditions?

32 Small Traditions to Start With Your Family

  • Tell A Story Every Night. …
  • Have a Winter Novel. …
  • Give Your Kids Duct Tape On Their 13th Birthday. …
  • Celebrate Santa Coming to Town. …
  • Give Your Kids Spare Change. …
  • Visit a Christmas Tree. …
  • Leave A Birthday Voicemail. …
  • Santa Inspection.

Why do traditions change?

Sometimes traditions change because they are difficult to maintain in a new country or as the new society changes. Recipes are adapted because some ingredients are not available. … Some people do not feel that their ethnic roots have importance in their lives so they don’t continue ethnic traditions.

Is Christmas a tradition?

For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion.

What is tradition according to Eliot?

For Eliot, the term «tradition» is imbued with a special and complex character. It represents a «simultaneous order,» by which Eliot means a historical timelessness – a fusion of past and present – and, at the same time, a sense of present temporality.

Why is it important to preserve traditions?

The importance of preserving heritage, tradition and race

Culture and its heritage reflect and shape values, beliefs, and aspirations, thereby defining a people’s national identity. It is important to preserve our cultural heritage, because it keeps our integrity as a people.

What are good traditions?

15 Creative Ideas for New Traditions to Start With Your Family

  • Start a happiness jar. …
  • Have the same meal on the same day every week. …
  • Host a family talent show. …
  • Have show and tell night. …
  • Take a daily or weekly family walk. …
  • Read bedtime stories. …
  • Plan a monthly Mommy/Daddy date with each child. …
  • Choose a community service project.

What is a traditional person?

adjective. A traditional organization or person prefers older methods and ideas to modern ones.

What is the difference between the Bible and tradition?

The Bible is the uniquely inspired part of Sacred Tradition. Sacred Tradition is the Bible as received, meditated on, contemplated, read and put into effect in the life of the Church. Tradition reveals in the sense that it amplifies or clarifies or actualizes the text of the Bible.

Are traditions sinful?

they considered tradition more important than the move of the Holy Spirit and it often led to lack of love, compassion, and God doing a new thing. When this happens, it is a sin.

Is baptism a tradition?

Baptism is a Christian tradition and ritual that is performed on infants, which is also sometimes called Christening. It is a rite of admission into the Christian Church through the use of water, just as Jesus Christ was baptized in the River Jordan.

How do you teach children traditions?

There are many ways that parents can teach their children about their own cultures while exploring others.

  1. Teach the language. Teaching children to be bilingual or multilingual has many advantages. …
  2. Celebrate holidays and traditions. …
  3. Mix it up in the kitchen. …
  4. Share stories of family history. …
  5. Explore new cultures.

What are Indian traditions?

India is considered the birthplace of some of the world’s major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. Today, other religions such as Muslim and Christianity have worked their way into the population as well, though Hinduism remains the most popular. Food.

Traditions are embodied in socialstereotypes is a certain historically formed group experience, which is accumulated and reproduced in the society. It is necessary to distinguish this concept from art, which represents a more individual creative activity. Through traditions, a certain collective of individuals transmits by inheritance the knowledge necessary for self-development and even survival. That is, this term can be interpreted as a certain mechanism of collective communication. Specialists identify the main types of traditions: folk (ethnic), social, national, religious and cultural.

traditions are

Origin of the term

Everyone knows the word «tradition» for many has a fairly clear meaning. If to speak of a literal translation, then in Latin the term means «transfer».

Originally the concept of «tradition» was usedOnly in a literal sense did the action signify. The ancient Romans used it in the event that they had to hand over to somebody a certain material object or to marry a daughter. Subsequently, material objects receded into the background, they were pushed back by the transferred skills and skills. Thus, the meaning of the word «tradition», or rather, its semantic spectrum, indicates the main difference from everything that could be brought under this concept. Tradition is that which does not belong to a particular individual, since it is transmitted from outside. The derivative value is associated with all that is related to the old past, which irrevocably lost its novelty, invariably and symbolically stable. And exact adherence to customs saves many from the need to independently comprehend the situation and make a decision.

national traditions

Traditions and society

Every new generation, getting into fullorder a certain set of traditional samples, does not accept or assimilate them in a finished form, it involuntarily carries out their own interpretation. It turns out that society chooses not only its future future, but also the past that has vanished into oblivion. Social groups and society as a whole, selectively accepting some elements of the social heritage, simultaneously reject others. Therefore, social traditions may well be both positive and negative.

cultural traditions

National Heritage

In general, the tradition is the so-called elementculture, which occurs in one generation and is transmitted from ancestors to descendants, remaining for a long time. These are certain norms, rules of conduct, rituals, procedures that must be performed. Considering together with this term the definition of the word «heritage», we can say that the concepts are almost identical.

If we talk about national traditions, it isrules that are manifested in almost everything. This applies not only to clothing, style and behavior in general, they also manifest themselves in movements, gestures and other elements that are present in the psychology of people. Such concepts and manifestations are very important for a person, since they are the ones who are able to trigger an unconscious mechanism in a person who is clearly able to determine the «own» and «alien» facets.

a synonym for the word tradition

National traditions are a phenomenon thatwas formed as a result of the vital activity of each people or nation, regulated by functions in the mind of a person. In other words, regulation occurs in family life, in communication, behavior. Traditions have their characteristics, namely they possess high stability, continuity and even stereotypedness. Characterized by a long-term factor, which is a regulator of social phenomena.

Modern attitude to cultural traditions

Variety of traditions of most countries sometimesjust amazing. The fact that for a certain people is the norm of everyday life, in another country can often be perceived as a personal insult. One can say that traditions are one of the fundamental things in the cultures of different countries of the world. Therefore, if you decide to rest in an exotic country, you must first familiarize yourself with its customs, so as not to get into an embarrassing situation. For example, in Turkey, one of the important traditions is the need to take off shoes at the entrance to the house and the temple. Even in no case can not be denied the offer to drink a cup of tea, this can be perceived as an insult.

meaning of tradition

Not just a set of rules

Cultural traditions are not just a set of rulesetiquette, this is a certain semantic flow aimed at showing the depth of the history of this or that country, these are values ​​that were laid down for centuries passed from generation to generation to maintain and reveal the unique mentality of its inhabitants. For example: countries in which Buddhism is prevalent, believe that touching the head of a person is unacceptable, since it inhabits the human soul. Unfortunately, in many countries traditional rituals have come out of fashion, so to speak, and have lost their value in connection with technological progress. I would like to see the interest in preserving our culture not losing its relevance in any corner of the world.

A synonym for a word

The word «tradition» is a feminine noun, if necessary, it can be replaced by concepts custom (masculine nouns), legacy (nouns of the middle genus). Instead of a single term, you can use word combinations with the word «so», for example: so it was, so. Writers, and not only them, traditionscalled unwritten laws. One of the most unusual synonyms in Russian for this noun is the word «itihasa», which in translation means «that’s exactly the way it was». Most sources define a synonym for the word «tradition» in several variants, in which, besides the ones presented above, they lead norm, setting, wont, value. An interesting variant is the use of the word «khashar» (a term that has long been included in the Turkic and Tajik languages ​​and denotes «joint labor»).

religious traditions

Religious Traditions

Religion also has its own traditions, which makes itspiritual and cultural fountain. Religious traditions are a set of stable forms and methods of worshiping the gods (God). Each of the religions that exist on earth carefully preserves and supports its tradition in every possible way, but often there are several traditions in each religion, for example: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism — in Christianity; Shiites and Sunnis — in Islam, Mahayana and Hinayana — in Buddhism. Religious traditions of the East practice a certain technique of work both with the body and with the consciousness, which is aimed at enlightenment, i.e. getting extremely high states of human consciousness. Christian religious traditions include visiting the church, praying, confessing and honoring religious holidays. The most famous holidays are Easter, Christmas, Baptism, Trinity, Ascension, Annunciation. Also, not all traditions are observed, if only because in the age of digital technologies people have become less pious than their ancestors. Now few people at the festive table ask for a harvest or rain. It’s just that the holiday was another reason to get together with the whole family.

religious traditions [1]

Without the past, there is no future

Traditions are a legacy that is unshakableauthoritatively, they resignedly accepted and transmitted in accordance with the fact that the departed ancestors — «bearers» — have a solid voice in the life of their heirs — «followers».

Word TRADITION
Character 9
Hyphenation tra di tion
Pronunciations /tɹəˈdɪʃn̩/

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What do we mean by tradition?

The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication. noun

A mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation; a custom or usage. noun

A set of such customs and usages viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present: synonym: heritage. noun

A precept or a body of precepts that are not written in the sacred book of a religion, such as the Bible, but are considered holy or true. noun

A style or method of an activity or practice, especially of artistic expression, that is recognized and sometimes imitated. noun

To transmit as a tradition.

The act of handing over something in a formal legal manner; the act of delivering into the hands of another; delivery. noun

The handing down of opinions, doctrines, practices, rites, and customs from ancestors to posterity; the transmission of any opinion or practice from forefathers to descendants or from one generation to another, by oral communication, without written memorials. noun

A statement, opinion, or belief, or a body of statements or opinions or beliefs, that has been handed down from age to age by oral communication; knowledge or belief transmitted without the aid of written memorials. noun

In theology, that body of doctrine and discipline supposed to have been revealed or commanded by God, but not committed to writing, and therefore not incorporated in the Scriptures. noun

In Mohammedanism, the words and deeds of Mohammed (and to some extent of his companions), not contained in the Koran, but handed down for a time orally, and then recorded. noun

A custom handed down from one age or generation to another and having acquired almost the force of law. noun

In the fine arts, literature, etc., the accumulated experience, advance, or achievement of the past, as handed down by predecessors or derived immediately from them by artists, schools, or writers. noun

To transmit by way of tradition; to hand down. transitive verb

The act of delivering into the hands of another; delivery. noun

The unwritten or oral delivery of information, opinions, doctrines, practices, rites, and customs, from father to son, or from ancestors to posterity; the transmission of any knowledge, opinions, or practice, from forefathers to descendants by oral communication, without written memorials. noun

Hence, that which is transmitted orally from father to son, or from ancestors to posterity; knowledge or belief transmitted without the aid of written memorials; custom or practice long observed. noun

An unwritten code of law represented to have been given by God to Moses on Sinai. noun

A part of culture that is passed from person to person or generation to generation, possibly differing in detail from family to family, such as the way to celebrate holidays.

A commonly held system.

The act of delivering into the hands of another; delivery.

Peer pressure from dead people Urban Dictionary

Basically doing whatever other people do or have done before you instead of thinking for yourself. Urban Dictionary

1. A thing that people pass down generations when they can’t come up with ideas of their own.
3. A horrible from a horrible musical.
4. Something one should question before acting upon. Urban Dictionary

A excuse for people to do things that is illegal. Urban Dictionary

Peer pressure from dead people Urban Dictionary

The reason for doing things which have no apparent reason. Urban Dictionary

Traditional, in this respect, suggests a person, commonly a female, and more commonly of Sino-Asian lineage, who refuses to accept Western ideals as they pertain to sociability, relationships, sex, and so on.
Often spoken in contrast to the more open-minded, Modern type. Urban Dictionary

A weekend where a large group of aging men get together to play too much golf, drink too much booze, do too many drugs, hit on too many girls, creep out girls who are way too young, sleep with girls who are way too fat, and just act like overall degenerate scrum bags. Only to return home on Sunday, kiss their wives, girlfriends, and/or kids hello and tell them they have to go lay down, not feelings so well, must have eaten some bad fish at the fish fry last night. Urban Dictionary

Tradition (n): The abstract, commonly referenced concept of beating up underdeveloped-farm-boy football teams for a number of years, then winning only one National Championship game after those other teams figured out how to play football.
Most often associated with the University of Michigan. Urban Dictionary

Being in a state where one consumes enough alcohol to be inebriated or drunk. Urban Dictionary

1

a

: an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (such as a religious practice or a social custom)

b

: a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable

… the bulk of traditions attributed to the Prophet …J. L. Esposito

2

: the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction

3

: cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions

4

: characteristic manner, method, or style

in the best liberal tradition

Synonyms

Example Sentences



One of our town’s time-honored traditions is to have an Easter egg hunt the week before Easter.



It is their tradition to give thanks before they start eating.



There’s an office tradition of wearing casual clothes on Fridays.



They no longer follow the traditions of their ancestors.



We broke with tradition and had goose for Thanksgiving instead of turkey.



By tradition, the celebration begins at midnight.



They no longer follow tradition.



According to tradition, the goddess lies sleeping beneath the mountain.

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Recent Examples on the Web

These days, granddaughter Donetta Bethune helps her father, Larry Bethune, carry on the family tradition at Brenda’s.


Bob Carlton | Bcarlton@al.com, al, 12 Apr. 2023





Replenish all that expended energy by sinking your teeth into the rich culinary traditions of São Miguel.


Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2023





King Charles’ coronation guest list includes foreign monarchs, breaking usual tradition.


Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2023





When these Malagasy traditions collided with pirate egalitarianism, shared through conversation and commercial exchange, the confederation was born.


Ian Beacock, The New Republic, 11 Apr. 2023





But top corporate legal officers — the customers — are typically former partners and associates in big law firms, steeped in the same traditions.


Steve Lohr, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2023





Bakewell is interested in describing the nontheistic tradition that urges us to be happy in the here and now, rather than waiting for an afterlife, and to seek that happiness through good works and kindness to others.


Mark Oppenheimer, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2023





Following tradition, Charles will be crowned with St. Edward’s crown.


Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2023





Amid many pressing political duties, the Biden administration will make time today for an annual tradition dating to the 1870s: the White House Easter Egg Roll.


Alexandra Meeks, CNN, 10 Apr. 2023



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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘tradition.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tradicioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradicion, from Latin tradition-, traditio action of handing over, tradition — more at treason

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of tradition was
in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near tradition

Cite this Entry

“Tradition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tradition. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.

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Last Updated:
13 Apr 2023
— Updated example sentences

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