Tradition vs. Reality
@victoriasparda (161)
United States
August 9, 2008 10:54am CST
I live in an area so full of tradition that you can't do anything without people telling you that you are doing it wrong, it got me wondering, just what good does tradition do in today's world?
I've always seen tradition as a way to make someone feel guilty about not conforming to what others think tey should be or do, to me tradition is just one big guilt trip. Look at wedding traditions: White dress, big guest list, a cake that could crash someone if they aren't careful, all of it, sometimes thousands of dollars but at the end of the day it all comes down to one result, marriage. Wouldn't it make more sense to just throw the kind of wedding you want so you make a day as important as that something that can really be a part of you in every way?
That's just the example I thought of right off. I mean, you get the same result if your dress if jet black and you only invite 3 people!
So what role does tradition really play? In my eyes it does more harm than good and I wonder how others feel about tradition.
What are your views on it? Do you feel tradition really makes things better or do you just feel like it is another unneeded burden in life?
3 people like this
10 responses
@zeroflashx2 (2491)
• Philippines
9 Aug 08
That's a good one. I'm as real as reality could get. 
I do respect people traditions and more often that not, I even join some out of curiosity. It's what they believe in and it's a norm for them. I just let them be as long as they don't step on my space. I just see things the way it is. Just like at work. I didn't go there to make friends. I go there to work. Having friends will just be along side it. There are people who wants to work to meet new friends and even engage in relationships. And again, respecting one's own space.
I agree though that traditions are passed down from generations to generations especially here in our country where different provinces have different traditions. It's even cool at times and I just want to have fun at times. I just react when they force me. That's a no-no for me. I just let 'em go and I'll just go along my way. As long as everybody's happy, that's fine. Take care.
I do respect people traditions and more often that not, I even join some out of curiosity. It's what they believe in and it's a norm for them. I just let them be as long as they don't step on my space. I just see things the way it is. Just like at work. I didn't go there to make friends. I go there to work. Having friends will just be along side it. There are people who wants to work to meet new friends and even engage in relationships. And again, respecting one's own space.
I agree though that traditions are passed down from generations to generations especially here in our country where different provinces have different traditions. It's even cool at times and I just want to have fun at times. I just react when they force me. That's a no-no for me. I just let 'em go and I'll just go along my way. As long as everybody's happy, that's fine. Take care.
@sataness (321)
•
9 Aug 08
I understand what you'r talking about... however with the marriage thing, marriage is a tradition xD something past down through the generations, like birthday parties, valentines day including sending your lover a gift, Easter and chocolate eggs. For somethings tradition runs a big part of the year and without it we wouldn't have things to look forward to. However sometimes traditions taken to extremes (such as the white dress which is 'traditionally' to resemble virginity in the bride) which aren't needed. We just need a balance.
1 person likes this
@kate635 (126)
• Philippines
10 Aug 08
Tradition in my own opinion is basically originated from what a certain group of people believe in, to be specific, religion. For example, a feast is being celebrated in memory of a patron or saint a roman catholic community believes in. Birthday, christmas celebrations, weddings, and a lot more. Here in my country, a lot of people will borrow money when there is a feast just to have this big celebration which would only last for a day which after will leave them empty handed. Personally, I believe more on the practical side.
@colourless (245)
• China
10 Aug 08
Tradition really doesn't matter so much to me. Sometimes I really forget about about it until people around me reminds that tommorow is a special day or tomorrow we should eat something special for the special custom
Yet, to tell the truth, life should have a place for tradition because for me traditon holds so much history and beautiful story If we abandon them it is really a pity
@pink_maven (265)
• Philippines
10 Aug 08
Hi there friend. For me, our decisions in life must not be based on traditions. There are lots of traditions that are not applicable in our era. Those were for the old days not ours. I too live in a country with so many traditions. I just acknowledge the stories behind those. But never I allow traditions to meddle on my decisions. =)
@martahandey (165)
• United States
9 Aug 08
I appreciate traditions that groups of people can be a part of... for instance, being a part of a winning tradition in a sports team. That's something that is not only tradition, but it comes down to pride as well. But in your example of the wedding... I totally agree!! I am not going to have a traditional wedding, and i'm very excited about that. I know that i'm bound to upset numerous people who don't understand why I don't want it a "traditional" way. But I don't care, because it's going to be the way I want, and I will be saving LOTS of money! haha.
Tradition, like all things can be a very good thing.. but when people twist it around, it turns bad.
@victoriasparda (161)
• United States
9 Aug 08
It often turns bad when people try to use it for personal gain or as a means of control, But yes, a winning tradition can be a great thing, I'm speaking more of social expectation types of tradition.
But thank you for your response.
@Sherry12 (2472)
• United States
10 Aug 08
I kind of like traditions. They are extension of lives past and a way for us to do someting in a way that our family has done for years. We have special traditions we do on Holidays that I wouldn't want to change. Everybody needs to decide for themselves what is important though.
@janiceyang (16)
•
10 Aug 08
Hi victoriasparda,
You know, every coin has two sides.Tradition has the good and the bad side as well. Just like that we can not assert that water is good or bad.When water is in its way to feed the nature,then we'll think that is good.But when water become flood,that is so bad. The good tradition just will let you feel more deeply in the culture of your country,that's your place's first and best presentation to the other people from different places.That makes the country different and makes the life more rich.
But as to the bad tradition, it's harm to the people,of course need to be cut down or change it to the good way.
Now the most important thing is to find out what is good and bad of tradition.Everyone's view is different, so just find your view of good. If you really can not bare the tradition in your area, you can chose leaving there and go where you think is fit to you and make you more suitable. The world is big,right?
Glad to myLot,
Janice*
@JAN_yuanjia33 (108)
• Philippines
10 Aug 08
it depends on how you are faithful of it, but make sure that you wont cover or limit your mind to the other options, because not all tradition are highly appreciated, sometimes we need to understand the tradition of others, therefore i conclude that not all the tradition we grown up are accurate and good, the exactly is?? you believe what is in your mind and heart!!
