Social Traditions

Hamad Sadiq Eidan
Supervisor: Eng. Ahmed Obaid Oreibi

It is everything related to the past that has been in circulation for a long time and has become old. It is an imitation of the ancients and inherited from them, as it is customs that are taken vertically, that is, from the past to the present, then from the present to the future, as they are transmitted and inherited from generation to generation and from ancestors to descendants over time.
Traditions in English are derived from the Latin origin of the word trade, which means transportation and trade. In English, trade is transferring something from one place to another. Tradition in the Arabic language is a source of the verb imitate. Language is transmitted to a person from his fathers, teachers, and society of beliefs, customs, and sciences. (Dhiab, 1980: p. 152) In technical terms, traditions are conduct rules arising from collective consent and agreement. They derive their strength from society and preserve the accumulated wisdom and memories of the past that society has experienced, passed down from generation to generation (Al-Bustani, 1973: p. 504). Traditions are everything the group has agreed upon and indicate the past and the old, as they are passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, they are traditional social customs because when social customs continue to be used for long periods, they become a tradition. “Traditions are customs vertically transferred from the past to the present and then from the present to the future. They are transmitted and inherited from generation to generation and from predecessor to successor over time (Rashwan, 2005: p. 159). Traditions are closely linked to the past and ancestors. They are a clear expression of compliance with ancestors by imitating their behavior. Thus, marriage occurs between the present and the values of the past, as well as its customs and traditions. The essential thing in transmitting acquired behavior is the latitude of each generation in adopting the customs of previous generations. (Habib, 1003: p. 13). Social traditions are considered a necessary part of societies’ culture and social identity, as they extend across generations and include the customs, values, and beliefs that individuals follow in society. Traditions also play an essential role in guiding the behavior of individuals and determining the rules and actions accepted in society. They also strengthen communication between generations and enhance social cohesion and a sense of belonging. Traditions are considered a vital element in building and developing cultures and societies. (Al-Saati, 1968: p. 51)
Traditions are also considered an ancient system that extends long before man’s existence, providing the individual with agreed-upon behavioral models to achieve his human needs. Traditions also provide the methods and behaviors that must be followed to enable interaction. Thus, they play a fundamental role in maintaining social cohesion, as they reflect the values and beliefs of previous generations passed down through generations. (Al-Khashab, 1968: p. 144-145)