We explain what tradition is, what its characteristics are and how it differs from customs. In addition, its legal use and examples.
What is tradition?
Tradition is a set of customs, practices or beliefs transmitted from generation to generation within a community, society or culture. Traditions can cover different aspects of life, such as religious rituals, festivals, ways of dressing, ways of cooking, songs, dances and other ways of commemorating important elements of society.
Traditions play a crucial role in the construction of cultural and social identity, as they provide a sense of continuity and belonging. They help to keep alive the history and cultural heritage of a group, as well as to strengthen social ties between its members. You must read about Lent once.
There are unique traditions, specific to a society, and there are also traditions shared by different peoples that have a common origin or that share historical and cultural characteristics. Thus, we can speak of national traditions, such as the German tradition and the Spanish tradition, but also of the Christian tradition or the Jewish tradition.
On the other hand, when we speak of something or someone being “traditional” or “traditionalist,” we mean that they adhere to or value the customary or inherited way of doing things.
The word “tradition” comes from the Latin traditio, which in turn derives from the verb tradere, meaning “to hand over” or “to give through.” The root of the word reflects the essence of what a tradition entails: the act of passing something valuable from one generation to the next, ensuring its continuity over time. Maybe you should definitely read about Clergy once.
Characteristics of tradition
Tradition is characterized by the following elements:
- Transmission: It is passed from one generation to another, often through oral tradition, observation and practice.
- Permanence: It lasts over time and can remain in force for decades or even centuries.
- Identity: It contributes to the construction and reinforcement of the cultural and social identity of a group.
- Meaning: It has a symbolic and emotional value, which can be spiritual, cultural, social or historical.
- Ritual: It includes practices and ceremonies that are repeated regularly, often on specific dates.
- Flexibility: Although it maintains a stable base, it can adapt and evolve over time to reflect social and cultural changes.
Tradition and custom
Traditions and customs are manifestations of a culture, and both can be defined as a set of beliefs and experiences that are inherited from one generation to another. In that sense, these two terms are used almost interchangeably.
However, customs are those social practices rooted in a community, linked to everyday life, to habits, which, by being repeated so often, have ended up becoming part of the local identity.
On the other hand, traditions involve a larger number of people, reinforcing in them the sense of belonging to the same cultural identity. They include ritual, cultural, religious, gastronomic and folkloric practices.
For example, a coastal town in the Caribbean may have the custom of meeting in the square on Fridays to dance. It is something they usually do and which is repeated over time, but which at a given time might not be done, or it might be done a day before or a day after, because it rains too much on a Friday.
But that same town, on certain dates of the year, worships the Virgin Mary through a procession of the statuette from the church to all corners of the town. This constitutes a religious tradition, which it perhaps shares with neighboring towns, and even with other distant ones, which have the same cultural and religious history.
Tradition in the legal field
In the legal field, we speak of tradition in a particular sense. On the one hand, “customary law” (or simply “customary law”) is the set of rules or methods of conflict resolution that are inherited historically, that is, that come from tradition. This term derives from the Latin consuetudo, which means “custom” or “habit”.
On the other hand, the legal term “tradition” is used in legal terms for the act of delivering a good to a natural or legal person. In this sense, it is synonymous with “transfer” or “transfer”.
Examples of traditions
Some examples of traditions of different origins are the following:
Day of the Dead (Mexico)
Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2 of each year in Mexico and other nations that inherit Mesoamerican cultures.
Families honor their deceased loved ones with altars decorated with flowers, candles, photos, and offerings of the deceased’s favorite foods and drinks, believing that their souls return during those days to live with them.
Dancing Devils (Venezuela)
Dancing Devils is a religious and cultural tradition celebrated in various towns in Venezuela on the ninth Thursday after Easter Sunday.
A group of dancers wearing devil masks accompany the celebration of Holy Week and wear specific outfits, in some regions colorful and full of mirrors and crosses; in others, neatly white.
The ceremony symbolizes devotion and penance to pay homage to the Blessed Sacrament and to symbolize the triumph of good over evil.
Carnival devils (Argentina)
In the northwestern region of Argentina, especially in the province of Jujuy, carnival devils are a fundamental part of carnival festivities.
During this celebration, people in colorful costumes and devil masks participate in parades and dances in the streets, to the rhythm of folk music and bands of sikuris (musicians).
This tradition mixes indigenous and Spanish elements.
Dragon dances (China)
Dragon dances are part of an important tradition of Chinese culture that is usually performed during the Lunar New Year and other important festivals.
It is a dance in which a long dragon figure is presented, made of silk, paper and bamboo. The dragon is manipulated by a group of dancers who hold poles along its body.
These dances symbolize wisdom, power and good fortune, and seek to drive away evil spirits and bring prosperity for the new year.
Hanami (Japan)
Hanami is the Japanese tradition of observing the beauty of cherry blossoms (sakura) in spring.
Families and friends gather in parks and gardens for picnics under the blossoming trees, enjoying nature and celebrating the transience of life.
Afternoon Tea (United Kingdom)
The tradition of afternoon tea in the United Kingdom involves enjoying a cup of tea accompanied by sandwiches, scones and cakes, usually served between 3 and 5 pm.
This practice, started in the 19th century, is a way of socializing and relaxing during the afternoon.
Siesta (Spain and several Latin American countries)
Siesta is the practice of taking a short break or sleep after lunch, common in Spain and several Latin American countries.
This tradition allows one to recharge one’s batteries and improve productivity during the rest of the day. In many localities, shops close during siesta hours so that workers can take their break.
Foot washing during Holy Week (several Christian countries)
During Holy Week, in many Christian countries, it is common to perform the foot washing ceremony. This tradition has its roots in the biblical account of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, in which Jesus washed the feet of his followers as an act of humility and service.
This tradition is performed on Holy Thursday as part of the liturgy. A priest or religious leader washes the feet of twelve people, who represent the apostles. The gesture symbolizes Jesus’ teaching on the importance of serving others with love and humility.
The Feast of St. Nicholas (Netherlands and Belgium)
The Feast of St. Nicholas is a tradition celebrated on December 5 and 6. It is based on the idea that St. Nicholas and his helpers deliver gifts and sweets to children.
Children leave their shoes by the fireplace or door, and fill them with carrots and hay for St. Nicholas’ horse. In return, they receive candy, cookies and small gifts.
This celebration marks the beginning of the Christmas season and promotes the values of generosity and kindness.
References
All the information we offer is supported by authorized and updated bibliographic sources, which ensure reliable content in line with our editorial principles.
- Buenos Aires Province. (n.d.). Concept of tradition. ABC. servicios.abc.gov.ar
- Dennis, M. (Ed.). (2006). Argentina; Belgium; China; Japan; Netherlands; Mexico; Spain; United Kingdom; United States. Encyclopedia of Holidays and Celebrations.Vol III. Facts on File.
- Foley, J. M. (2019). Oral tradition. Encyclopedia Britannica. britannica.com
- Real Academia Española. (2023). Tradition. Dictionary of the Spanish language. dle.rae.es
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Tradition. Society. Encyclopedia Britannica. britannica.com
- White, L.A. (2022). Culture. Encyclopedia Britannica. britannica.com
- Wikipedia. (s.f.). Tradition. es.wikipedia.org
- Wikipedia. (s.f.). Tradition (law). es.wikipedia.org
