For such an ordinary word, it has BIG meaning. The dictionary defines it as:
1a
: an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (such as a religious practice or a social custom)b
: a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable
… the bulk of traditions attributed to the Prophet …—J. L. Esposito
2: the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction3: cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions4: characteristic manner, method, or style
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With the approaching Holiday Season, the idea of Tradition crosses my mind a lot, and not just because I’ve written about this topic here on many a holiday Eve or the day itself.
Tradition, as I said, is a word with BIG meanings. However, I’m going to keep things small. And it’s these small traditions that are often the most mutable and changeable. And as a person who lives alone, I’ve pretty much abandoned all the traditions in my family. Even any religious traditions, except one. Even though I’m a lapsed Catholic, and I have DEEP feelings against organized religion, I still keep meatless Fridays during Lent.
Why?
As I thought on this topic, the thought occurred to me that traditions are an anchor to who we were, and are endemic to who we are now. Traditions have made us us. And without that anchor of tradition, we sometimes feel lost. Example: Think of all the people you know that were cut off from their personal and family traditions during the Dark Times of Lockdown and have not been able to recover them. Then think about those you know who began NEW traditions with friends or family during that time. Which of those people seem more whole?
After all, isn’t tradition just another form of routine? We as humans thrive on routine. If someone moves our cheese, we become lost.
But stronger than tradition is memory. Example: One year for my annual visit to my brother in Arkansas for Christmas, he asked me if I could prepare the Christmas Eve meal that was traditional in our family. A meatless meal in the traditions of Poland. The mushroom soup was going to be easy, I had made it several times before. Same with the sauerkraut filling for the pierogi. The dough, however I had not made before. I’m not good with dough, simply because I don’t do dough enough and haven’t had practice. But I managed pretty well. And when the smell of the mushroom soup wafted through the house, I was flooded with all sorts of memories and feelings. This was the first time my brother had eaten this meal since Mom died. I can only imagine how he felt reliving older days. This is why traditions are so important to us. The Memory. It anchors us to the past, whether through Big Traditions such as cultural things, or through the little things that make family family.
As for me? I experience the memory of tradition when I cook the everyday food that Mom used to. Not the Special Meals, just the old favorites. Because when I taste the food, I taste my Mom’s hand in making it. And I remember.
What kinds of traditions did you all have in your family growing up, and what new traditions have you created for your own family or for yourself now?
And now on to Tops!
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