Spiritual Forum

Definition “Tradition”

1. The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.

2. A long-established custom or belief that has been passed on in this way.

(google search)

1. The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication.

2.a. A mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation; a custom or usage.

b. A set of such customs and usages viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present: followed family tradition in dress and manners. See Synonyms at heritage.

3. A body of unwritten religious precepts.

4. A time-honored practice or set of such practices.

5. Law: Transfer of property to another.

(TheFreeDictionary.com)

Some traditions give us a sense of security and belonging. Right?

Some traditions give us hope for the future even though they stem from the past.

There are some traditions that simply are called differently by different cultures, but have the same meaning behind them.

However, I wonder if some traditions don't simply limit and label us. They label us as certain traditions pertain to certain cultures only. Hence, we can be “identified” by certain traditional practices. As a result – don’t traditions also separate us from each other?

Take for example, religious traditions, which are defined as “rites,” but to me they fall under the category of traditions as these too are passed on from generation to generation. Without wanting to pick on Catholicism and overly criticizing it (I could have chosen any other religion), can you receive certain sacraments without being a member of the Catholic Church? No. Following that I dare say that certain religious traditions are a measure to control and exercise power over the people.

Traditions may also limit us as things have changed over time and the traditions we follow might no longer be relevant.

While some traditions relate to ways of living and teach principles to live by, there are others that pertain to physical traditions, and are harmful, for example the circumcision (right word?) of women and girls. Which brings up another question: HOW do traditions come about? One would believe it's a consensus of many. But is this true in the above example of circumcising women and girls?

We should also bear in mind that many traditions have been passed on orally, and may have lost their true meaning in the process.

I also feel that the media, and particularly the product producing industries are taking advantage of our traditions, distorting our views of the real meaning of our traditions. Best example: Christmas. While the birth of Jesus originally had been celebrated by those who believed in him, nowadays the majority of people worldwide are “celebrating” on the 24/25 December as well, however, many of them don’t give the purpose of the celebration a second thought (even if they do believe in Christ). No longer are the message of love and the birth of Jesus in the foreground, no – it’s been commercialized, with Christmas decorations up as early as October as a "friendly" reminder from the shop owners to buy as many presents as possible.

These are just some of my thoughts. I feel that traditions have both negative and positive characteristics, and I would like to invite you to comment on the above and share your views.

Love and blessings.