Remember who we are as humans, where we came from and how we can take the knowledge, wisdom and experiences transmitted to us from generations afar to live a life more beautiful - and more meaningful. In both direct and subtle ways, traditions play a role in shaping a child’s personal identity Family rituals tell children a story about who they are and what is important to the family, and it creates a connection that comes from feeling like they are a part of something unique and extraordinary. ", Surely one might find the synonymous use of the terms "tradition" and "progressive" in the same sentence a bit odd - almost counterintuitive. Indeed, aside from the more obvious - albeit equally important - function of tradition as a way to pass on the values, morals, customs and culture of one generation to the next, tradition also teaches us something about life, where we came from and who we are as people. Cultural and religious traditions can help us feel more connected to our history, while those we associate with being with family help to strengthen those emotional bonds, even if you’re not doing these traditions together. Stay Connected. Is that not a natural human tendency? Have a think about which traditions you can carry through that will bring you comfort. Cultural traditions are important because they transmit shared values, stories and goals from one generation to the next. ‘Being isolated from culture is a dilemma we often find ourselves in. Rather, it is saying, "remember." ‘Other than that traditions make us closer to our culture and add more meaning to our lives,’ says Martina. ", "In its richer meaning, however, tradition is always progressive, developing, and constantly calling us to receive it, enrich it, and humanize it. Each generation must take nourishment from the other and give knowledge to the one that comes after.". Does it have to be? If you trace any tradition to its source, you will find its roots in the inner experience of an individual or group of people, says Sadhguru. MORE : Christmas trees made of dried pampas grass are the next big interiors trend, MORE : After a breakdown, this man started a huge mental health support group to help others, MORE : 60 Christmas gifts for your girlfriend. Tap here to turn on desktop notifications to get the news sent straight to you. ‘It’s safe to say that this has been a tough year,’ says Dr Martina Paglia, a psychologist at The International Psychology Clinic. It’s all to easy to assume that Christmas this year will be irrecoverably distant from the festivities we once knew. Salon owner who quoted Magna Carta to defy lockdown finally shut down, Boris Johnson says three tier system could last for just nine weeks, Return to tier system 'will cost England £900,000,000 every day'. ‘Traditions have a strong place in our heart,’ she tells Metro.co.uk. What does "tradition" have to offer us if, by its very definition - "a way of thinking, behaving, or doing something that has been used by people in a particular group, family, society, etc., for a long time" - it is rooted in the past? The daily lifestyle email from Metro.co.uk. But where we can, continuing our usual festivities could be crucial. Be sure to check out some of the most interesting Easter traditions from around the world, along with some delicious Spring recipes, both "old" and new. A tradition is a group of related ideas that have lasted for a long time. I'd be willing to bet, however, that somewhere deep inside, each one of us has a yearning for a sense of consistency, simplicity, stability and predictability. Rounding up everyone to do their parts decorating and cooking around the house, special meals with the family, having all your cousins around, arranging popcorn and movie nights, giving each other presents, spending time with your elders, etc. ‘And as we head towards the end of the year, this Christmas holiday season may matter more than ever.’. Yet, while we tend to welcome and value such traditions, the word "tradition" or "traditional" - removed from a seasonal or celebratory context - tends not to be the most lauded term, particularly in a world that continues to "progress" at an unprecedented speed, with an abundant number of changes, upgrades and "improvements" impressed upon us daily. ‘All of these blessings of Christmas can be especially helpful this year,’ Martina says. ‘We can look forward to Christmas to finally have relief and use this time to take off the stress that has been following us for a better part of this year.’. Maybe that’s as simple as actually bothering to put up the tree, or going for a walk in the early hours, or watching Home Alone. It’s a capsule of collective learning through thousands of years of trial and error. Tradition is existing knowledge. Why is tradition important? Yes - and they certainly shouldn't be overlooked. Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk. Building also plays important role in culture identity. Traditions are a wonderful way to anchor family members to one another.’. What most people might think of as tradition is Thanksgiving at Grandma’s every year with turkey, gravy, sweet potato casserole and stuffing—the whole nine yards. We made it easy for you to exercise your right to vote! Yes, we’ll need to adapt to restrictions and make sure we’re being safe. But, the essence of who we are as humans - our struggles, our fears, our needs and desires - has largely remained the same due to the inherent characteristics that define human nature. Much like any other holiday or religious observance, Easter brings with it a variety of cultural and familial traditions. ‘These holiday traditions such as Christmas have more meaning and value to them other than just exchanging gifts. But, should it be? I feel that tradition is important to make us understand our religion. ‘But with Christmas, even for a short time, we get back to our roots and learn to take joy in our traditions.’. It’s tempting to give in to the coronavirus dread and write off Christmas with the entirety of 2020, pledging to celebrate next year instead. ‘In our otherwise busy lives, they are a means for us to put everything aside for once a year and spend time with our loved ones doing things we love. We'll call that a dynamic tradition because it changes over time. Hugging, Christmas parties, and even board games are all off the table. I read something about why traditions are so important a long time ago and I decided to make my own family traditions because I had grown up in so much dysfunction. Martina explains that traditions are about more than just the simple act of putting up a tree or making gingerbread – they provide comfort, make you feel secure and safe, and allow you to bond with your loved ones. Every Sunday I look forward to seeing my family and sitting around a … Tradition remains one of the few practices that truly belongs to your family and close friends, and allows you to cherish the very valuable memories created with your loved ones over the years. They help form the structure and foundation of our families and our society. Getting deep into the local culture is a fantastic way to adapt to your new home, but there are numerous reasons why maintaining our own cultural traditions when we move overseas is just as important. The main intention behind following the traditions … As author and lecturer Ardis Whitman wrote, "We must cherish our yesterdays, but never carry them as a burden into the future. But there are rituals and routines we can do whatever the circumstances, whether we’re rejoicing with our grandparents over Zoom or we’re bubbled up with a partner. ‘These ritualistic behaviours help nurture us and reinvigorate our bonds with family and friends. And so, it is not that tradition is saying stop, or halt or "think no more." There are also some cultural people who don’t construct houses also, all life they pass in different places. Indeed, aside from the more obvious - albeit equally important - function of tradition as a way to pass on the values, morals, customs and culture of one generation to the next, tradition also teaches us something about life, where we came from and who we are as people. Follow All Things Good on Facebook and Twitter. Visit our live blog for the latest updates Coronavirus news live. Different cultures have different type of buildings. Traditions and rituals often tell a story about a family. This post originally appeared on Katharine's blog All Things Good. Why value tradition or "old ways of thinking" or "doing" when we have learned how to do things in a new - maybe even "better" - way? Referring to the Catholic tradition of moral wisdom, author James F. Keenan, S.J., writes: "Our tradition is a lively, life-giving one, even though some use the term tradition to halt reflection, discussion, education, insight, wisdom, development, or growth. ©2020 Verizon Media. While maintaining family tradition is important, it can be a challenging feat with the fast paced and technologically driven world we occupy today. Some cultures have big houses while some have small. The world evolves. See also a similar reflection on the wisdom and teachings of Mister Rogers, "America's Favorite Neighbor.". It is during the holidays that our unique cultural traditions have the greatest potential to help in this process of self-definition, to contribute to well being, and to cultivate an all-important sense of belonging and a healthy perspective of our place in the world. It seems only natural, then, for questions to arise as to the point of or value of tradition: These are certainly important questions - and those in which I was inspired to think about after re-reading a book about moral wisdom that I had read several years ago in college. Family traditions build on the bond of the family. Most importantly, family traditions pass on cultural, social, and historical … ‘The decorated streets, the cheer in the air, special meals with the family, lighting trees and candles, shopping for gifts, sending Christmas cards and meaningful time for us to pause and reflect on ourselves. Question, but remember. To so readily dismiss tradition because it is in the "past" or no longer applies or is "flawed" in one way or another is to discount the wisdom, insight and perspective that it can offer, which, subsequently, can help shape us into more wholesome and compassionate human beings. Pretending that this is just a normal Christmas like every other year isn’t just naive, it could also cause immense harm. Many traditions reinforce values that are important to families such as freedom, faith, and charity. I think there is a real beauty to be found in tradition - a beauty that may not propel us forward in the sense of quantifiable "progress" or change, but that does propel us forward as human beings in life wisdom, understanding and even emotional intellect. Cultural traditions are expressions of a particular group's worldview, and they help people in that group mark significant occasions or life … Something to look forward to. They remind us that we are part of a history that defines our past, shapes who we are today and who we are likely to become. Traditions of a particular group help them to be together and perform the rituals. ‘Children also get more time to know their larger part of the family. It is not saying, "do not question", "do not grow" and "do not change." Why is tradition important? Tradition, then, seems to be a subtle reminder of this, heightening our awareness of self and others, cultivating a sense of belonging and stability, and acting as a guiding force in our lives and society. Celebrating your traditions helps keep you grounded in your own culture … How can we grow, advance or develop as a society and culture when we continue to follow "traditional" ways. Part of HuffPost Religion. Improvements are made. 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