Traditions are passed down through inheritance.
Tradition is the set of cultural assets that are transmitted from generation to generation within a community . It refers to those customs and manifestations that each society considers valuable and maintains them so that they can be learned by new generations, as an indispensable part of the cultural legacy.
Eating a chocolate egg at Easter or nougat at Christmas, eating pasta for lunch on Sundays or dressing in black as a sign of mourning are traditions that are widespread in several countries, to mention a few possibilities.
His links with art
Tradition (a term derived from the Latin traditio ) is therefore something that is inherited and forms part of identity . The characteristic art of a social group, with its music , dances and stories , forms part of tradition, as does gastronomy and other matters.
Folklore and what is considered to be components of popular wisdom also belong to the field of tradition. It is important to note that tradition is often associated with a conservative vision since it implies keeping certain values intact over time. In this sense, the beliefs of those who are not interested in the traditions of their land or who try to change them are often seen as disruptive .
Sociologists warn, however, that tradition must be able to renew itself and update itself in order to maintain its value and usefulness. This means that a tradition can acquire new expressions without losing its essence.
As you can see, the notion of tradition is very broad. It covers everything from popular festivals and rituals to myths and legends , rites of passage , spiritual practices and other ceremonies.
Crafts , clothing , native musical instruments and talismans are also part of the traditional tradition. As is clear, everything that is part of the history of the ancestors and that a people considers valuable, whether symbolic or material, can be integrated into the idea of tradition.
Many festivals are part of a town's tradition.
Examples of tradition
Below we will describe some of the most well-known traditions worldwide:
Festival of Colors
In India , Nepal and Bangladesh, the beginning of spring is commemorated with a celebration known as Holi or the Festival of Colours , which consists of spreading powders of various shades over the participants and then sprinkling them with water, so that they become like authentic living paintings. It is worth mentioning that its origin is closely linked to religion and that it presents certain differences in each country.
Night of the Dead
This is a Mexican celebration, also known as Fiesta de las Ánimas (Feast of the Souls ): it is the moment when the spirits of loved ones return to their families for one night. Each person can choose to stay at home, where they prepare an altar to entertain their guest of honor, or go to the cemetery. The reunion is accompanied by the deceased's favorite delicacies.
This tradition is especially respected in Michoacán , especially in the towns near Lake Pátzcuaro . The tombstones are decorated with regional flowers and different types of ornaments, which vary from one region to another, and the lighting of the cemeteries remains until dawn. It is worth mentioning that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site , which is why it is usually of interest to many tourists every year.
Oktoberfest
It is one of the most internationally known traditions, mainly due to the importance of alcoholic beverages during the celebration. It is a fair that includes mechanical games and typical German food and welcomes people of different cultures and ages. The highlight of the event is the more than ten colossal beer tents, which accommodate an average of 5,000 people, where it is possible to taste the main brands of the country.
Venice Carnival
This carnival, which offers fun on the eve of Lent, has been celebrated in Italy for over nine centuries. Some studies indicate that its roots could be even older and related to the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is based on the idea that "once a year it is legal to lose one's mind" , according to a translation of a Latin text.
Tradition includes those popular tales that make up oral narrative.
The concept in law
In the field of law , on the other hand, tradition is the act that consists of the delivery of a thing to a natural or legal person .
In this sense, tradition can constitute a mode of transfer that makes the acquisition of property possible.
It should be noted that the regulation of the tradition depends on each country. It is usually carried out with the delivery of something material , although it can also be carried out through symbols that reflect the new provision. The registration of a property in a public registry and the delivery of keys to a property are part of the tradition.