1.3 Traditions


All over the world, nations, cultures, and families celebrate festivals or holidays which are expressions of their identity. The word tradition comes from the Latin "tradition" meaning the action of handing over. A tradition can be defined as;

  • an inherited, established, customary pattern of thought, action, or behaviour

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

  • cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions



Celebrations, such as holidays, are important times to celebrate cultures. These days recognize important religious or national events, although in some cases the original purpose of a celebration might have faded over time. Many celebrations of traditions include special foods, music, rituals, and activities which are passed from generation to generation as a form of identity.

Traditions are also associated with other important days such as birthdays or the time when a child is considered to have passed from childhood to adulthood. In these cases, families will often develop their own traditions and ways of doing things.
 
In areas where there are many cultures existing side by side in a multicultural society such as Canada, there is often a dominant culture which tends to overshadow other cultures. Some customs of the dominate culture will be adapted by others.

In Canada, the celebration of Christmas is a religious Christian festival that has been adapted by non-Christians in various ways. By doing so, non-Christians are modifying or changing their own culture. This is an example of cultural accommodation.

However, many Canadians do not celebrate Christmas at all. For example, Hindus and Sikhs celebrate Diwali or the Festival of Lights, a five-day celebration of the triumph of good over evil.

Muslims use a fasting period called Ramadhan, to teach worshiper restraint and bring them closer to Allah. At the end of Ramadhan, a feast called Eid alFitr celebrates the goodwill and unity among Muslims.
Traditions in a globalizing world are always changing. In a world so interconnected by technology, trade, and the movement of people, traditions are constantly changing. Some traditions are lost as the traditions of the dominant culture become more powerful. Others are adapted to fit in with the values and beliefs of different groups. Chinese New Year, for example, is increasingly celebrated by both Chinese and non-Chinese people in Canada.


People around the world are concerned about the loss of traditions as the world becomes more globalized and homogenized. Traditions may lose their meaning because they are practiced less frequently. In our pluralist Canadian society, we encourage all groups to celebrate their own cultures and values so we will all be enriched through the acceptance of other cultures.

Complete the traditions section of the Assignment 1.3: Factors of Identity chart.