How Long to Make a Tradition

[Expat2011]

I don't know how to truly define tradition in standards of time because it seems to me that tradition, like everything else, is subject to natural forces resulting in its inevitable evolution. In the five minutes of thought that I've given this subject, I can't think of any tradition that has not been affected. It would then seem that to label something as 'traditional' is a fairly subjective assertion.

Take the kilt. New tartans are being registered every year. Various styles are being designed and sold. Entrepreneurs have taken this amazing garment out of the Highlands and made it available to the rest of us in so many different forms that in some cases the only remaining similarity between their products and that of the early Scots is that it remains unbifurcated.

I could accept an argument that declared the tradition of kilt wear originated with clan use in the Highlands. However, I would offer that the guy in a USAKilt drinking a Bud Lite at TGIF is taking part of an evolving tradition every bit as much as a gentleman in his eight yard wool kilt and Prince Charlie Jacket at a Burns supper.

I think I once read that "Today's fad is tomorrow's tradition." I sometimes have difficulty distinguishing the difference between the two.

Bill

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I think I once read that "Today's fad is tomorrow's tradition."

Hardly. Fads, due to their very transient nature rarely last long enough to become customs, never mind traditions.

Here are a few examples: raccoon coats; the Nehru jacket; spats; platform shoes for men...

[Expat2011]

Hardly. Fads, due to their very transient nature rarely last long enough to become customs, never mind traditions.

Here are a few examples: raccoon coats; the Nehru jacket; spats; platform shoes for men...

Of course not all fads become a custom or tradition, but many traditions were a fad first.

Bill