Tradition vs. Custom: Difference and Comparison
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Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on December 28, 2023
"Tradition" refers to beliefs or behaviors passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning, while "custom" is a standard practice followed by people of a particular group or region.
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Difference Between Tradition and Custom
"Tradition" encompasses practices, beliefs, or rituals that are passed through generations, often holding significant cultural, religious, or social symbolism. "Custom," however, typically refers to a common practice or habitual way of behaving specific to a certain culture or place.
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Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Traditions often carry a sense of historical and cultural continuity and are sometimes linked with important events or stories from the past. Customs, on the other hand, are more about day-to-day practices and may not necessarily have a deep historical significance.
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Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
A tradition is usually maintained over generations, stressing the importance of preservation and respect for the past. Customs can be more flexible, adapting to current societal norms and conditions.
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Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Traditions often involve a communal aspect and are practiced widely within a culture or society. Customs, while also practiced by a group of people, can be more localized and vary widely even within the same society.
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Kaitlyn
Dec 28, 2023
Both traditions and customs are integral to cultural identity, traditions are more about inherited practices with symbolic value, whereas customs are habitual practices specific to a culture or group.
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Leo
Dec 28, 2023
Tradition vs. Custom Comparison Chart
Definition
Practices or beliefs passed down with symbolic meaning
Standard practices followed by a particular group or region
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Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Historical Significance
Often have deep historical and cultural roots
May not necessarily have deep historical significance
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Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
Flexibility
Usually maintained over generations
Can adapt to current societal norms
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Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Scope
Communal and widely practiced within a culture
More localized, varies within a culture
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Elijah
Dec 28, 2023
Example
Celebrating religious festivals
Greeting customs, like shaking hands
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Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Tradition vs. Custom Definitions
◉Tradition
A long-established custom or belief passed down from generation to generation.
The tradition of family reunions at Thanksgiving continues.
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Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
◉Custom
Conventional practices followed by a community.
The custom of taking shoes off before entering a house is common in many cultures.
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Elijah
Dec 28, 2023
◉Tradition
Historical customs that are preserved within a culture.
Wearing kilts in Scotland is a tradition during formal events.
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Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
◉Custom
Established habits or norms within a particular group.
In our family, Sunday brunch is a long-standing custom.
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Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
◉Tradition
Practices or rituals that symbolize cultural or religious heritage.
Lighting candles on Hanukkah is an important Jewish tradition.
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Olivia
Dec 28, 2023
◉Custom
A usual practice or habitual way of behavior in a society.
It's a local custom to greet with a bow in Korea.
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Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
◉Tradition
Collective habits or rituals passed through generations.
The tradition of storytelling is vital in many cultures.
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Olivia
Dec 28, 2023
◉Custom
Social norms or behaviors that are typical in a group.
Sharing a meal is a customary sign of hospitality in many societies.
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Nolan
Dec 28, 2023
◉Tradition
A time-honored practice or set of such practices.
The tradition of cherry blossom viewing in Japan is celebrated every spring.
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Henry
Dec 28, 2023
◉Custom
A habitual practice unique to a particular place.
In many European countries, a customary midday rest is observed.
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Henry
Dec 28, 2023
◉Tradition
The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication
cultural practices that are preserved by tradition.
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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Custom
A traditional practice or usual way of doing something followed by a social group or people.
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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tradition
A mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation; a custom or usage
the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Custom
The tradition or body of such practices
The respect that is by custom accorded to the king.
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Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Tradition vs. Custom Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tradition?
Tradition is a practice or belief handed down through generations with symbolic and cultural significance.
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Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
How is custom different from tradition?
Custom is a habitual practice specific to a culture or place, often related to day-to-day activities.
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Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
Are customs always local?
While customs can be local, they can also be observed by larger groups, including entire societies.
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Jonathan
Dec 28, 2023
Can a custom become a tradition?
Yes, over time, customs can evolve into traditions, especially if they gain symbolic meaning.
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Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Is tradition always religious or cultural?
Traditions often have cultural or religious roots but can also encompass family or community practices.
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Henry
Dec 28, 2023
Do traditions have to be followed by everyone in a culture?
While traditions are communal, participation can vary among individuals within a culture.
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William
Dec 28, 2023
How important are customs in shaping cultural identity?
Customs play a crucial role in shaping and expressing cultural identity and social norms.
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Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Are traditions always passed down through families?
Traditions can be passed down through families, communities, or larger cultural groups.
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Jonathan
Dec 28, 2023
Do traditions change over time?
While traditions are meant to be preserved, they can adapt and evolve with society.
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Leo
Dec 28, 2023
Can customs vary within a country?
Yes, customs can vary widely even within the same country or region.
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Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Are all customs formalized practices?
Customs can be both formal and informal, ranging from laws to everyday social norms.
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William
Dec 28, 2023
Can a practice be both a custom and a tradition?
Yes, some practices may be both customs and traditions, depending on their nature and significance.
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Jonathan
Dec 28, 2023
Are customs legally binding?
Customs are not legally binding but are followed based on social agreement and tradition.
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Kaitlyn
Dec 28, 2023
Can traditions be universal?
Some traditions, like certain holiday celebrations, can be widespread and nearly universal, though they may vary in practice.
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Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Is every traditional practice old?
Not necessarily; new traditions can emerge and be established over time.
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William
Dec 28, 2023
Can traditions be specific to certain times of the year?
Yes, many traditions are associated with specific times, such as holidays or seasonal events.
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Jonathan
Dec 28, 2023
How do customs reflect a society's values?
Customs often reflect the values, beliefs, and norms of the society in which they are practiced.
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Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Do customs require unanimous participation?
Participation in customs can vary, and not everyone in a group may adhere to them uniformly.
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Jonathan
Dec 28, 2023
Content Creators
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Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
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Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.