Transformation of Treasured Traditions
Drak posted in Rituals And Traditions
Webster defines a tradition as, “a mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation.” At first glance, this definition seems perfectly true, but it is also true that traditions adapt, change, and become obsolete. “Continuously from generation to generation.” It is these five words that I question. True, many traditions are followed strictly through the years, but many are not. Not only traditions fulfilled with actions, but those of a verbal or mental ideal also change throughout time.
Let us start with a very common tradition many families follow: eating dinner together. At first, say in the early 1950s, families sat down to a conventional dinner of pot roast, mashed potatoes and broccoli. As time progressed, the TV dinner was introduced and many found themselves occasionally eating in front of their television set. Today, we rarely find ourselves spending dinner time with the whole family. If we do sit down, it is most likely in front the TV, without all family members, or while doing another activity such as homework. And this rushed meal, which seems to become more of a hassle than a physical need, is rarely a conventional one. A quick option for dining has become something flung into the oven, or for many, fast food. The point: this once simple and easy task of finding thirty minutes to spare for dinner and conversation has been changed to fit in with our hectic society.
Many words, phrases, and terms have been inherited from previous generations. A few words we might have once used without qualm now bring a look of disgust if employed. Even more so, common words from one time period have transformed into something else of the same meaning. For instance, words such as “rad” or “groovy” may have been popular decades ago, but today’s youth might go with a word more along the lines of “cool” or “sweet” to describe something enjoyable. Many may have grown up in areas or households that used certain terms such as “supper” for the evening meal. Over time, this same meal has evolved into “dinner.”
Traditions may not be as set in stone as we once may have thought. Several factors over generations might coerce a modification in a tradition. As we get older, traditions seem to become less important. The once magical holiday season may turn into nothing but a gift-giving, consumption frenzy. This change is primarily due to the commercialization of the holidays. Media, as we well know, greatly influences our lives. In fact, we can find its manipulation altering even the most sacred traditions.
The most significant observation is this: with time comes change and those traditions that travel through time must also face the same fate. If other things in our lives change, so will our most precious traditions. But not all is lost, traditions are traditions. Even if they form to fit our new, fast-paced and unique lives, traditions will hold strong and continue to be part of our past, present, and future.
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