Column #449 April 5, 2024
Societies are built on traditions and rituals. Michelle Langley, Associate Professor of Archaeology, Griffith University, defines them thusly.
In scientific terms, a “tradition” refers to the passing down of customs and beliefs from one generation to the next. A “ritual,” on the other hand, is a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order, and which is often embedded in a larger symbolic system, such as religion or philosophy.
For example, while celebrating birthdays is a tradition, blowing out the candles on a cake is a ritul.