Tradition

Tradition

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Tradition refers to the continuity of doctrines, customs^[2] and values within social groups, studied through various academic disciplines. Rooted in cultural, religious and social contexts, traditions can be ancient or intentionally invented, serving as a transmission of knowledge between generations. In religious environments, particularly Catholicism, tradition encompasses oral and written practices that preserve spiritual teachings. Cultural practices often incorporate traditions, reflecting community customs, beliefs and behaviours. These traditions are not static, but dynamic, adapting to changing societal contexts while maintaining fundamental elements. The relationship between tradition and modernity^[1] is complex, with traditions sometimes being reinvented or reinterpreted in order to remain relevant. Despite potential conflicts with rapid social change, traditions continue to play a significant role in maintaining cultural identity and providing continuity across generations.

Terms definitions

1. ↑ modernity. Modernity emerged in the 18th century, characterised by a new understanding of history driven by Enlightenment thinking. Emphasising rationality, consciousness and progress, it marked a shift away from traditional historical perspectives. Historians such as Von Ranke and institutions developed systematic approaches to studying historical events, closely linked to nation-state narratives. The modern regime of historicity, as described by François Hartog, focussed on future-oriented perspectives and temporal acceleration. Novelists such as Tolstoy and Balzac challenged unified historical narratives by exploring multiple perspectives and individual experiences. Scholars such as Koselleck emphasised the transformation of historical understanding, moving away from the classical view of history as a teacher of life. Critical analyses by thinkers such as Bauman, Habermas and Elias have delved into the complex social and philosophical dimensions of modernity, examining its aesthetic, emancipatory and potentially destructive aspects.

2. ↑ customs. Customs are social rules stemming from repeated practices in a specific cultural context, characterised by objective (corpus consuetudo) and subjective (animus) elements. They reflect the psychological conviction of behavioural obligations in different societies. These practices cover various domains, including legal, social and anthropological perspectives. Examples range from traditional behaviours to potential criminal activities, such as curandeirismo and capoeira. Legally, customs distinguish between habitual and typical offences, focusing on the social perception of the practices. Sociologically, they represent essential values and transmit cultural norms that define acceptable behaviour. Customs are intrinsically linked to broader concepts such as habitus, customary law and legal anthropology, demonstrating how social practices evolve and become normalised within specific cultural frameworks. They serve as a lens through which societies understand and categorise human behaviour.

Tradition (Wikipedia)

Note: For the cultural organisation, see Tradition (samba school).

This page cites sourcesbut do not cover all content. Help insert references (Find sources: ABW - CAPES - Google (N - L - A)). (June 2014)

Tradition (from Latin tradition, tradere = "to hand over", "to pass on") is the continuity or permanence of a doctrine, world view, customs e values of a social group or school of thought. Various academic disciplines also use the word in different ways.

Traditions are the subject of study in various academic fields, especially in the social sciencessuch as studies of folklore, anthropology e archaeology. From the perspective of ethnographytradition reveals a set of customs, behaviours, memories, rumours, beliefs, legends, music, practices, doctrines e laws that are transmitted to people from one communityThe elements become part of the culture.

The concept of tradition, like the notion of attachment to a previous time, is also found in the discourse political e philosophical. For example, it is the basis of the political concept of traditionalismand also branches of many world religions, including the traditional catholicism. Although it is commonly assumed that traditions have an ancient history, many traditions have been invented on purpose, whether political or cultural, over short periods of time.

In artistic contexts, tradition is used to distinguish the standard of a particular art form. For example, in the performance of traditional genres (such as traditional dance), adherence to the guidelines that dictate how an art form should be composed is given greater importance than the performer's own preferences.

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