Why is tradition important?

Question

Okay, so why, deep down, is tradition actually important?

If Congress passed a law that would negate tradition and start from scratch, people would fight it tooth and nail. But what is actually the value of tradition? Why do people value it? Is it not just simply a preset societal pattern of doing something that people invented? What is so special about it?

Answer 1

What's so special about tradition?...LOL...one of my kids recently asked me that. I don't know if its a good answer, but this is what I said..
Tradition is what gives us our link to the past. To the people and places, the events, that make us what we are. The traditions handed down form one generation to the next give us a common ground with our families and friends, something we can all do together, share. They are a way of making sure that the ones who have left are remembered, that the things you held dear and touched your life as a child are continued, passed on...maybe to hold dear and touch the life of a grandchild...maybe one you won't ever know. But somehow, somewhere during that "traditional" dinner, someone will say..."do you remember the time Mom..." and your memory will be instilled in another of your generation. Its a way to have eternal life......

Answer 2

In my opinion tradition is what defines a certain community within the society. And since everyone wants to be defined as a member of his society he sticks to its traditions which therefore define them.

People learn and pass on knowledge. And as years/centuries pass a community ill have a certain knowledge that was passed down by their ancestors. On the other hand a person is defined by his or her knowledge and education, meaning he will see the world differently according to the way he learned or was taught to judge things around him/her. An this is why i think that one will value tradition:

1. Respect ones ancestors and the knowledge they gained through time (but tradition should change if it was proved wrong)
2. Living by a certain tradition will let people know you are part of a certain community. At the same time if you want to be part of a community one of the things you will do is respect its traditions. (some people are very proud of being who they are and thus traditions are very important to them)

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why is tradition important?
Okay, so why, deep down, is tradition actually important?

If Congress passed a law that would negate tradition and start from scratch, people would fight it tooth and nail. But what is actually the value of tradition? Why do people value it? Is it not just simply a preset societal pattern of...

Answer 4

The old saying "Tried and True"
Tradition is a tried method of doing something and true is the tradition of doing it.
It is a simple way of doing something that works and change is not tolerable.
Now the Pharacies’ of old Israel made Tradition a way of life and God told them to change it or loose it. Most Jews have not to this date. God came among them and they still all haven't accepted his ways but there is a movement today that some are seeing the light of him as never before in history and they know his name. Jesus.

Answer 5

Tradition grounds us in wisdom born of experience and memory. Whether or not a particular tradition offers us something that is good or true is a matter of prudential judgement. Tradition also enables a collective identity to form and therefore provides a sense of social cohesion. What we experience as "culture" emanates from tradition or is shaped in reaction to tradition.

Answer 6

Tradition provides for a certain amount of comfort. Routine decreases the stress of daily life. Because of the repetativeness of tradition, people are less likely to be surprised...or offended, for that matter. Tradition is usually politically correct, allowing people to blindly follow without creating much conflict. If tradition weren't there, and everyone suddenly began to /think/ for themselves, mass chaos would erupt in the land.

Answer 7

It would really suck if traditon went away. For some familys tradition is everything. It is what made their famiily and what keeps it together. Our family has traditon with every holiday. Our family all gets together and eats. If we didn't our family would be so distant and not so close. Tradition in familys has alot to do with socializing as well as the original meaning of tradition.

Answer 8

i think it is important because it keep alive the memory of something that has been holded sacred or important. And (this is rue) it is a good feeling (most of the time) to live what your ancestors and the their ancestors have done before them. It is part of who you are where you come from and your originality. it is your tradition.

Answer 9

Traditions remind us old people of the past and it helps link the young to their past in what is usually a pleasant ceremony. It provides continuity while at the same time developing expectations for the future that help bond different generations..

Answer 10

I'm not a big fan of tradition but i can see why people keep them. it's a part of history, it's a way to bring people together even when they don't want to be, it reminds us to be grateful and remember where we came from, and also not to repeat the mistakes of the past. i also think traditions can to adjusted to welcome new people and cultures. just live it.