Traditions connect people with the past — History, 4–6 years
A tradition is something people repeat and pass on, such as a song, recipe, game or celebration. It can change while still keeping a link with earlier people.
Passed from person to person
A tradition travels through people. Someone teaches a song, recipe, game or celebration to someone else, who may teach it again later. The newer version can be a little different from the older one.
Why traditions continue
People pass things on because they want to remember, celebrate, belong together or share useful knowledge. Long ago, before many people could read or write, doing and saying things together was a strong way to teach them.
Following a family recipe
Grandad teaches Ana to make a soup: first wash two carrots, then cut them, add one potato and cook everything. Ana writes the steps down and later adds a little more parsley. The recipe has travelled, but it is not exactly frozen in time.
Not every old thing is a tradition
It is reasonable to call anything old a tradition, because traditions often come from long ago. But a tradition is also passed on and practised by people; an old cup in a cupboard may simply be an old cup.
Traditions around us
You may meet traditions in songs, meals, games, greetings and celebrations at home or in a community. Learning about one does not mean everyone must follow it; it helps us understand what matters to different people.
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