I came across this article titled 7 Reasons Why Traditions Are So Important
Frank Sonnenberg states the following seven reasons
1: Tradition contributes a sense of comfort and belonging. It brings families together and enables people to reconnect with friends.
2: Tradition reinforces values such as freedom, faith, integrity, a good
education, personal responsibility, a strong work ethic, and the value of
being selfless.
3: Tradition provides a forum to showcase role models and celebrate the
things that really matter in life.
4: Tradition offers a chance to say “thank you” for the contribution that
someone has made.
5: Tradition enables us to showcase the principles of our Founding
Fathers, celebrate diversity, and unite as a country.
6: Tradition serves as an avenue for creating lasting memories for our
families and friends.
7: Tradition offers an excellent context for meaningful pause and
reflection.
A definition of Tradition that I found on the Cambridge Dictionary website says the following:
I can understand the Cambridge Dictionary definition as well as agree with most of Frank's points. Well, at least the ones I have practical references to.
His first point is quite simple and endearing in its intent. Honourable actually. People deserve a sense of comfort and belonging. Not just a sense of them but actual comfort and belonging.
It is a human right. The bringing together of kinship and friends should be a natural and easy thing. If it happens or when it happens.
What happens when all there seems to be is disagreement and differences in preferences. This is possible. That, I have witnessed. On many occasions.
What happens when the principle or belief keeps changing. A nip here. A tuck there. A chunk off this side. A snuck in bit over there.
What or who governs Traditional Practices? Can you call out one who is not implementing the principle or belief accordingly?
Is Tradition flexible or staunch? Unbending or situational?
The dictionary says Tradition pertains to a group. This can be a Country. Provinces or States. Towns. Neighborhoods. Streets. Families. Couples. Siblings. Individuals.
The groups can also be Networks. Societies. Geographic. Situational. Age. Educational. Gender.
The grouping possibilities seem endless.
So, how does one exercise Tradition when they really can be classified as belonging to so many groups as one person?
What do I mean? Let me try hypothetical example.
A 50 year old black man. Professional. Married. Three children. Three siblings. Professional. Friend. Clergyman. Member of society.
By these roles, the man can be classified as belonging to a number of groups.
At home he is a staunch Traditional man, father and provider. To the stylish and trendy wife, he is the head of the house. To the children, the no nonsense dad who pays the school fees to the best multi cultural schools his budget allows.
At work, this man has years of experience, speaking business lingo and knows the tricks of the trade. A knowledgeable reference for work related matters.
At church, he is a known clergyman, respected and always well presented. Speaking biblical knowledge with ease and confidence.
In times of uncertainty, the man often consults traditional practitioners because traditionally that's what a man does. He also saw glimpses and heard snippets of this practice enough times in his life to make it ok.
Now, the home life seems rather flexible in its definition of Traditional. The wife owns one authentic Traditional attire. For when there is a function back in the homeland.
The children barely speak a word of the native language. They flow in English with all modern trends and tendencies adopted.
At work, he has to converse in English. Well, that's until lunchtime when surrounded by colleagues of a similar cultural background.
At church, he teaches the congregation principles of the Holy Bible. For practical application to life's experiences.
At the traditional or ritualistic practitioner's consultations, he becomes subject to completely different ways of doing life. A whole different sphere of spirituality.
In this example, one person can be Poly-Traditional in definition and practices. Also, be of multi belief systems.
The individual manoeuvres from one to the next, depending on location, situation and time. Some careful adaptations taking place throughout the day really.
Sounds a bit much doesn't it?
What then can be said of common phrases like "Be true to yourself." or "Be grounded." Which part of yourself is being referred to exactly?
The eloquent boardroom speaker, commanding respect?
The front pew regular at church, known for admirable humility and dedication to Christ and the church?
The sharp tongued throwing cusses to anything or anyone smelling different to your own? Unprovoked.
The toothpaste commercial smile flasher in the presence of those deemed of noble influence?
What really makes one feel belonging and comfortable? Not feel but be belonging?
Religion? Perhaps social and financial standing? Is it associations maybe? Possessions also?
What is it really to you?
Think about this...
The only answer I can quote with certainty is from the Holy Bible. Jesus said
For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.
Once again, is Tradition flexible or staunch? Unbending or situational?
You can find Part 2 of this blog here.
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