Tradition

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". In a more narrow sense, the word may refer to "cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions", among other related meanings. 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

• Radical Traditionalism
• Folklore - Tradition may also refer to the oral tradition.