The customs and traditions , are issues that are intrinsically linked to the villages and their inhabitants. Although it can be believed that they are the same thing, they are not. For this reason, the two terms often use them as synonyms. In this article we will provide you the Difference between Custom and Tradition.
So, let’s say that habit is what is done daily or consistently, it can also be called habit. The custom can be individualized, collective or group.
However, tradition becomes a custom that stems from the sociocultural roots of a nation, city, community or town that manifests itself through group identification. The tradition is based on historical antecedents, which are passed down from generation to generation. The customs and traditions are part of the cultural identity, of different areas or contexts.
What is a Custom?
The word custom derives from the Latin noun traditio, which in turn comes from the verb tradere, which means “to hand over” as an inheritance. Custom is defined as the habit that is obtained when we consecutively practice an act.
Each social group has different customs that can be commercial, national, local, among others, according to their idiosyncrasies. The customs can be parties, food, crafts, dances or language.
” Bad customs ” may arise and become common , which are not accepted within society and which often require the enactment of laws to try to correct them.
The term custom can be used in law, historiography, anthropology, and sociology.
Characteristics of Customs
- -They are part of personal behavior.
- -Distinguish one community from another.
- -It can be oral or institutional.
- -It is transmitted from generation to generation.
- -They are national, state, local, or community.
- -As time passes they become traditions.
Examples of Customs
- -Attend a funeral dressed in black
- -Drink coffee in the morning
- -Say sayings in any meeting
- -Celebrate the festivities
- -Eat fried fish on a beach
What is a Tradition?
The word tradition comes from the verb tradere, which means “to hand over as an inheritance.” Tradition is considered the inheritance of mental models , which can be transmitted individually or collectively and that are based on experiences or teachings obtained or learned by man.
Tradition is inherited and is part of the characteristic identity of a social group , such as its music, dances, legends, myths, gastronomy, celebrations and stories. When you hear or read about, “popular tradition”, it refers to customs, values, beliefs, or artistic expressions of a community.
The traditional has an intrinsic relationship with culture, folklore or popular knowledge, as is the case with proverbs. Many times social changes can alter the elements that make up the tradition. It is extended to different generations so that it lasts over time, is preserved, consolidated, and adapted according to new situations.
Characteristic of the Traditions
- -They are typical of the culture of a country, region or locality.
- -They are transmitted from generation to generation.
- -They can be oral as stories, legends, myths and representative as dances, songs among others.
- -They are enjoyed and shared by many in family, jobs, schools, among others.
Examples of Traditions
- -Celebrate with dinner the night before Christmas.
- -Disguise children at carnival parties.
- -Eat fish at Easter.
- – Say goodbye to the old year in family.
- -Place the manger or tree to celebrate Christmas.
- -Hallacas, ham bread, milky sweet, at Christmas (gastronomy).
Difference between Custom and Tradition
| Customs | Traditions | |
| Concept – definition | It is the habit that is obtained when we consecutively practice an act. | It is inherited, part of the identity of a social group, such as: music, dances, legends, myths, gastronomy, stories. |
| Characteristics | -They are part of personal behavior. -Distinguish one community from another. -It can be oral or institutional -Can be transmitted between groups. -They are national, state, local, or community. -As time passes they become traditions. | -They are typical of the culture of a country, region or locality. -They are transmitted from generation to generation. -They can be oral as stories, legends, myths and representative as dances, songs among others. -They are enjoyed and shared by many in family, jobs, schools, among others. -Keep alive in memory the historical background of people, dates or places of importance. |
| Examples | -Eat fish at Easter. – Say goodbye to the old year in family. -Place the manger or tree to celebrate Christmas. | -Folklore is the most important expression of tradition, because it brings together all the elements that make it up, expressing the cultural identity of a common. |
