Before a tradition is established there is a always a threshold that needs to be met of people that feel the need to institute the tradition. They have a reason for the practice, the particular actions, and the time when it happens. Most traditions that stick originate thoughtfully. Someone said, “We should do this because…”
What of our traditions today? Do we remember where they come from, why we partake in them, and what they stand for?
I ask because traditions are easily co-opted. When you are already engaged in a meaningful action it is a power play for someone else (especially if they are outside of the community) to come in a say, “You can make it more meaningful if you only…” or “What you really should do is…”
Next thing you know, your meaningful traditions are fraught with tension, undue stress, and unneeded strife. Let not your heart be troubled. Remember the original intent. If you don’t know, find out. Use resources to dig up the truth. It’s important. Lest your traditions detach for their original purpose, fall flat, lose their meaning, or worse.
