Importance of Tradition
Definition and explanation: Tradition refers to the transfer of beliefs and customs from one generation to another.
In the process of evolution man has evolved through many stages, both biologically and intellectually. From primitive times down to the present time the changes have been particularly striking in the social aspects of man. Primitive man was more or less automation, acting as his compeers would act. But with the growth of civilization, as the individuals merged into families and communities, certain rules of conduct evolved automatically. These rules were based on method of rites, customs and practices, as well as various principles and doctrines handed over from fathers to sons, from ancestors to posterity. This is what may be called ‘tradition’.
Tradition shapes social behavior of human-beings. Man is a social being. The need of mutual aid and protection binds the individuals together in groups and communities and tradition play an important role in shaping and defining the human social behavior.
Some traditions are orally passed on from one generation to the successive generation. There is another meaning of tradition, which like what may be called oral report of customs and rites passing from mouth to mouth. In this sense tradition is synonymous to hearsay or rumor. In the wider accepted connotation of the term, tradition is the custom, rite, habit, report, etc. transmitted by people to their successors from age to age.
Traditions changes with advancement of civilization. Traditionalism is most marked among the human society in the earlier stages of their development. But with the advancement of civilization and expansion of boundaries of knowledge and experience, traditions have often adjusted themselves to suit the changing conditions. Every civilization must keep abreast of the times and reconcile traditions with present needs. What was good and useful a century ago may not be so in the present day world.
Tradition often tends to become prejudicial to the society. Immoral and inhuman rites and customs are sometimes followed in the name of tradition. Traditionalism sustained by blind orthodoxy or conservatism creates a big drawback to all progress. In an age of constant changes, the society that is static with age-old traditions without adaptability to circumstances is bound to stagnate to be wiped away over time.
Change is life, stagnation is usually fatal. While we feel proud of what we were, we must work to live the present to achieve greater glories, inspired by the tradition that our predecessors have left us as their invaluable legacy.
