I don't know if this is one of them, but there are a lot of "traditions" out there these days that date way back to... oh, I don't know, maybe last week? I get asked about them from time to time with regards to weddings, and am told that "It's traditional." While putting it much more politely, my usual answer is "So is the wedding service the way it's written."

Now, lest one say that I'm being critical, my criticism is merely of the word "tradition" with regards to these ceremonies and rituals. Many of them can be beautifully and symbolically woven into the service the way it's written, and I'm happy to do so as long as it is neither pagan nor disruptive. I guess the old English teacher in me gets upset however, at the abuse of the word "traditional" to justify something that may be beautiful and meaningful but is actually innovative.