Tradition

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Tradition (Latin tradition, from tra’dere, forward) has been described as "statement, belief, or practice handed down from generation to generation", with the word derived from Latin trans- "over" + dare "to give".[1] In a more narrow sense, the word may refer to "cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions", among other related meanings.[2] See the article on Traditionalism regarding ideological and political senses.

Definition

Tradition is the handover from generation to generation of:

  • historical memories,
  • religious doctrines,
  • myths about individuals,
  • ancient legends,
  • folk tales,
  • folklore,
  • family memories,
  • inherited customs,
  • inherited ways of performing art and music pieces.

Quotes

  • Benjamin Franklin: "Tradition does not mean guarding the ashes, but fanning the embers."
  • Jean Jaurès: "Tradition is not guarding the ashes, but stirring up the flames."
  • Gustav Mahler: "Tradition is the spreading of fire and not the veneration of ashes."
  • Ricarda Huch: "Tradition is the passing along of red-hot embers, not cold ash."
  • Julius Evola: "A culture or a society is 'traditional', then, if it guides itself towards principles that transcend foolishly-individualistic ones in which people care only about and are shaped only by selfish concerns." (Ride The Tiger)
  • Carlo Terracciano: "Tradition is revolution, etymologically and in-earnestness. 'Rev-volve' is to return to the source, but not before the cycle has run full-circle. True tradition is not conservative, but revolutionary: It aims for brining the cycle to completion, towards a new beginning." (in: "Revolt Against the Modern World")

Enemies of Tradition

Certain cynical and nihilistic elements of the human population oppose tradition. This nihilism has led to creation of certain radically anti-voelkisch political ideologies. (See Communism). Certain ethnic groups oppose the right of their enemies to propagate their own traditions. (See Jews).

See Also

References