Customs

All these can be considered celebrations , but, do you know the main differences between them?

Traditions, cusoms, national celebrations and holidays

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in the full season of holidays that span multiple religious doctrines, belief systems, and traditions, there is a natural inclination to take stock in what you are doing and how you do it. This is a time to remember all the things that are important beyond the material.

Taken together, all the holidays have something to teach about the attitudes necessary for a full balanced life. No matter how you view the time of year, whether through a religious or secular orientation, there are attitudes that transcend activities and provide an emotional setting for better living.

Holiday

​A national festival is a significant celebration or holiday that is observed and recognized at a national level within a specific country. It is a day or period of commemoration that holds cultural, historical, religious, or patriotic importance for the nation and its people. National festivals often mark significant events or milestones in a country’s history, such as independence, the establishment of a nation, the signing of a constitution, or the birth or death anniversary of a national hero or leader.

​National Celebration

A custom is a usage or practice common to many or a particular place or group of people. It is the commonly accepted way of behaving or doing something in a particular society, place or time. Each culture, society and religion have their customs. For example, in some countries bowing is a way of showing respect and gratitude.

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​custom

​ Just like traditions, a custom can start in a family; a certain gesture, behavior or act becomes a custom when it is constantly practiced. When a custom is followed for many years and passed down to younger generations, it becomes a tradition. 

A tradition is a way of behaving, thinking or doing something that has been followed by people in a particular community, society, family, etc. for a long time. A tradition can be an idea, belief that is passed down from one generation to another. It can be common to a certain religion, culture or even a family. For example, members of a certain family can have a party on a certain day of the year. If this practice is followed for many years by several generations, this can turn to a family tradition.

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tradition

​While following traditions are not obligatory, many people follow traditions as it is the way of life that they have been taught from childhood. However, it is always better to follow a tradition after knowing the origins and the reason behind that tradition. Since traditions are not strict rules and regulations, it is always possible to change certain aspects of a tradition. In fact, most of the traditions we follow today are variations of an original tradition; over the time, people have added and omitted certain aspects of a tradition. For example, if we look at the history of the Christmas traditions, Christmas trees were traditionally decorated with edibles like apples and nuts; it was in the 18^th century that it began to be illuminated by candles. Today Christmas trees are decorated with electric lights and various ornaments.

Differences between customs and traditions

Custom is a usage or practice common to many or a particular place or group of people.

Tradition is the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation or the fact of being passed on in this way.

Length of time

Custom can be a new practice.

Tradition is always a custom that has been passed down for years.

connection

Custom, if passed down for generations, can become a tradition

Tradition is a custom that have been transmitted through generations.

Multiple Choice

This is an example of a national celebration

• dia de muertos

• christmas

• Independence day

• Asking permission for leaving the room

Multiple Choice

This isn't a holiday

• christmas

• 3 wise men

• 5th of may

• december 12th

Multiple Choice

We can say that "eating" grass hoppers can be considered an aspect that comes from indigenous heritage , so...it can be defined as

• holiday

• tradition

• custom

• national holiday

Multiple Choice

A custom can be ...

• Adoring a saint

• Remembrance of a national hero

• Pizza party each friday

• A recipe that your grand mother cooked