Definition of "Traditional customs".
According to Merriam-Webster dictionnary, "tradition" refers to:
1a : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought,
action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom)
b : a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the
past that are commonly accepted as historical though not
verifiable
2: the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word
of mouth or by example from one generation to another without
written instruction
3: cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions
4: characteristic manner, method, or style
On the other hand, a "custom" (according to the same dictionnary) is
a) an action or way of behaving that is usual and traditional among the people in a particular group or place
b) something that is done regularly by a person
As a result of the above definitions, we are looking for actions, forms of behaviour or social attitudes that are usual and traditional among the people in a particular group or place.
There is an endless variety of traditional customs all over the world. We will limit our search in four fields:
a. social customs (e.g. various ceremonies)
b. customs in celebrations (e.g. birthdays, national celebrations)
c. religious customs (related to the religious life of people in different parts of the world)
d. culinary customs (subjects of daily diet can be related to all the above)
Our pupils are ready and eager to start! Let's open to them a window to new civilisations! I'm sure that the fresh air of five continents will blow over their heads and clear their minds from everyday routine!
Maria Pasparaki