A tradition is a belief or a ritual which is passed down from one generation to the next. Traditions are found everywhere; during holidays, birthdays, and even in everyday life, like passing down items such as family jewelry or clothing. Traditions have influenced society, too. For instance, you probably greet people with a hug, handshake, or in some other traditional way.
Many new traditions are introduced daily, such as when a new family decides to have dinner around the table every Sunday. One of the family members may have a memory of his family having dinner on Sunday and wants to continue that tradition with his family. This, however, is not necessarily the case in all situations. Some traditions are introduced because someone has a new idea that they want to try. Either way, traditions are things that occur year after year or week after week for a very long time and are then passed on to the next generation.
Traditions are a very important part of religion and politics as well. Traditions are used to install legitimacy for a set of beliefs or values. Many traditions which are in play today were also followed many centuries ago. The term “traditionalist” refers to people who believe and follow traditions which were employed at an early time.
Even though new traditions are introduced all the time, as many if not more traditions are lost or forgotten. Industrialization and globalization are two factors which help to influence whether or not traditions are carried out from generation to generation, or whether they are forgotten.
