As the holidays approach, our traditions are brought into the forefront of everyday life. Because they are dependent upon our religious and familial backgrounds, we practice those of our particular cultures. I believe that it is important to know what customs and traditions are and to practice them.
What is a Custom?
A custom is a practice or belief that has been implemented by an individual in their own life for a long time. It is the same for a group of people. When a custom is transferred from generation to generation, it takes the form of a tradition.
What is a Tradition?
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. Wikipedia defines it as being “a belief or behavior passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past.” Traditions are customs carried out in the present and passed down through the generations.
Examples of Traditions
Thanksgiving is the beginning of Holiday traditions for many. Moving forward into December, some will celebrate Christmas, a holiday that has different traditions in separate cultures. In America, we have a Christmas tree, we believe in Santa Clause, his sleigh, his reindeer, and we give and receive gifts. In Iceland, there are thirteen Santa Clause (Yule Lads). Each one leaves a gift for each of those thirteen nights before Christmas in shoes left in window sills.
Aside from the traditions of Christmas, there are those that celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. An eight-day experience with special foods, gifts, and lights. Kwanzaa is a holiday tradition that includes songs and dances, African drum playing, storytelling, poetry readings, and ends in a large traditional meal on December 31. On each of the seven nights, families gather and a child lights one of the candles of the kinara. One of the seven values of the African culture is then discussed. And various other cultures hold their own winter traditions.
Conclusion
Traditions do not end with holidays. They include the way you spend dinners together every night, reading to your children at bedtime, game nights, and so much more. If you do not have any traditions, it is never too late to start some now.