Abstract
This paper examines American traditions, how they are established and preserved. Specifically, I discuss traditional gatherings known as family, class, and school reunions and review ways in which they are augmented by social networks. I remind the reader of the role reunions play in the perpetuation of memories and transference of collective knowledge. It is believed that attendance at family reunions had dwindled in the 90’s but is experiencing resurgence (Baxter, 2005); this is due in part, I believe, to social network sites like Facebook and MySpace. People are reencountering their past and making connections, both old and new.
Keywords: traditions, reunion, social networking
American Traditions: The Reunion
American traditions are established by our values and those values are reflected in the traditions we adhere to as families, carry throughout our lives and pass on to our children. We are a part of the American quilt; our families—each block or series of quilt blocks—are bound together by the things we hold in common. A quilt, unlike an afghan, is bound together by ties and knots and does not come unraveled; it is sewn together and when it becomes worn, it gets extra stitches, and it gets patched. The folds of the fabric become soft, comfortable, and inviting. Tradition is a place where our children are nurtured, learning the values they will need to become effective members of American society, on the laps and at the knees of generations that have come before. How unfortunate it is that family tradition sometimes tends to go by the wayside and we are quick to forget what an important part it plays. How do we as individuals carry on family traditions now?
A tradition my family has kept that is ...
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...he same, it is in the values we hold and that are passed from one family member to another and from one generation to another. As I pass traditions down and share them across my generation, I hope that my daughter and grandson will carry on the traditions that have been passed down to me. The true meaning of a family tradition is simple—family. Keep the traditions that keep love alive and family close.
Works Cited
Baxter, M. (2005, June 29). Rockin reunions: Family get-togethers become more than cookout at grandma’s. The (Louisville, KY) Courier-Journal. Retrieved July 10, 2010, from http://www.azcentral.com/families/articles/0630reunion30-CR.html?&wired
Montessori in the United States. (2010, April 6). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved July 10, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Montessori_in_the_United_States&oldid=354398036
"Traditions" refers to the specific charge of what is inherited from the past, including all linguistic and symbolic elements that can be transmitted. Traditional is a formal concept, while traditions are material concepts about payload of a traditional. We have always been heir of traditions; we are always preceded by the things that have been said to be
Tradition seems to always been in our genetic makeup, but how we choose to follow these traditions is up to us as evolved humans. We can follow blindly the traditions that were created by others before us or we can evaluate and adjust to make the traditions work for our current lifestyles and hopeful open and informed minds. The tradition of traditions will continue on regardless of our evolution, and we can hope they will be positive traditions. So can hope the world will be a kinder, gentler place to live.
children are a critical factor in the continuation of tradition and cultural themes (Ruttle 65).
Traditions are very common all over the world and because of that they have numerable unique traditions. Traditions can go from being this small thing or this huge ritual that you must need to do to make your community happy or unify. A tradition is a belief or behavior passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past. A tradition in a Hispanic culture is a Quinceanera, Cinco de Mayo, and Dia de los Reyes. Those are very common traditions for the Hispanic culture.
When you think about family, what is the first thing that comes to mind? If you only thought about your parents or close relatives, then you may have been caught in an “individual vs. family” paradox. Nearly every culture considers family important, but “many Americans have never even met all of their cousins” (Holmes & Holmes, 2002, p. 19). We say we are family oriented, but not caring to meet all of our extended family seems to contradict that. Individual freedoms, accomplishments, and goals are all American ideals that push the idea of individualism.
The origins of the traditions held by the population of American started from the time that this land was first set foot on by the human species and was compounded throughout the rest of time. The immigrants, and slaves expanded up on the traditions of the original settlers. And along with those they brought their own religions and cultures that also added to the traditions of this country.
Traditions are important in any family because they help to pass down knowledge, material objects,
Education is a constantly changing industry that has adapted throughout history and continues to adapt. America’s current public education system, however, has stayed static and dissatisfactory despite many attempts to reform how children are taught. One of the most progressive attempts to reform education has been the Montessori Method. The Montessori Method is a type of schooling that encourages children to be eager to learn on their own through hands-on learning. There are specific materials and structures that the Montessori Method uses. This specific method is based on the observation of the development of children’s minds and environments that they learn and grow best in. Although it is more common for American children to go to public
My family has lots of traditions on holidays, we usually get together at my grandparents house. The first right of passage is if you are passing on a tradition you need to be committed. The story says “ I never thought that grandpa
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Traditions are reflections of beliefs, superstitions and the personality of a family. I stop short of saying that they are the soul of a family because my family can no longer celebrate these traditions, but the spirit of my family continues to be an integral part of my life, despite the distance that sets us apart. The soul of my family remains unharmed from the miles that deprive us of the opportunity to celebrate common traditions. Regardless of how far we are apart, there is one tradition that can overcome any lengthy amount of distance, and that is my Aunt Millie’s Cinnamon-pecan rolls.
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