Tradition

A tradition is a story or a custom that is memorized and passed down from generation to generation, originally without the need for a writing system. Tools to aid this process include poetic devices such as rhyme and alliteration. The stories thus preserved are also referred to as tradition, or as part of an oral tradition. For example, it is now a tradition to have a Christmas tree to celebrate Christmas.

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Although traditions are often presumed to be ancient, unalterable, and deeply important, they are often much less "natural" than is often presumed. Many traditions have been deliberately invented for one reason or another, often to highlight or enhance the importance of a certain institution. Traditions are also frequently changed to suit the needs of the day, and the changes quickly become accepted as a part of the ancient tradition. A famous book on the subject is The Invention of Tradition, edited by Eric Hobsbawm and Terrence Ranger.

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Some examples include "the invention of tradition" in African and other colonial holdings by the occupying forces. Requiring legitimacy, the colonial power would often invent a "tradition" which they could use to legitimize their own position. For example, a certain succession to a chiefdom might be recognized by a colonial power as traditional in order to favour their own favourite candidates for the job. Often these inventions were based in some form of tradition, but were grossly exaggerated, distorted, or biased toward a particular interpretation.

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Other traditions that have been altered through the years include various religious celebrations, for example Christmas. The actual date of Jesus' birth does not coincide with December 25 as in the Western Church. This was a convenient day for it to be held on so as to capitalize on the popularity of traditional solstice celebrations.

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Writing system: A writing system, also called a script, is a type of symbolic system used to represent elements or statements expressible in language....

Rhyme: : This article is about the poetic technique. For the form of ice, see rime ice. For linguistic rime (or rhyme) see syllable rime....

Alliteration: Alliteration is a stylistic device, or literary technique, in which successive words (more strictly, stressed syllables) begin with the same consonant sound or letter. Alliteration is a frequent tool in poetry but it is also common in prose, particularly to highlight short phrases. Especially in po...

Tradition related Images and Photos (experimental)

Tradition	Tradition	Tradition I	Order of Tradition II
Ratatouille La Tradition Continue Paper Giclee Print	Ratatouille La Tradition Continue Avec Remy Giclee Print	NFL A Tradition of Defense: The Chicago Bears	Tarasque Monster from Provencal Tradition Mid 19th Century
Jews Studying the Talmud a Compilation of Ancient Jewish Law and Tradition