Word of the Day
December 24, 2019
Tradition
The transmission of customs, beliefs, or practices from generation to generation; a long-established custom or practice that has the effect of an unwritten law.
From Latin 'traditio' meaning 'a delivering up, handing over,' from 'tradere' meaning 'to hand over, deliver.' The word emphasizes the passing of customs from one generation to the next.
Usage Examples
- The tradition of secret gift-giving at Christmas traces back to St. Nicholas throwing gold coins through windows to help poor families.
- American Christmas traditions blend elements from Greek Orthodox, German Lutheran, Dutch, and English customs.
- Martin Luther started the tradition of decorating evergreen trees with candles to represent the night sky over Bethlehem.
From the Show
The concept of tradition wove through every segment of the Christmas Eve broadcast as historian Bill Federer traced how Christmas customs traveled from fourth-century Asia Minor through medieval Europe to modern America.