Family Traditions

As we draw to the end of the holiday season, let us determine to create
traditions that will stay with our families long after we are gone. Traditions are the framework of our very existence, drawing us closer together and helping us create a sense of belonging and of who we are.

Here are some sites that have information about family traditions around the world (both religious and non-religious). Feel free to share traditions that you have from your part of the world.

1. Christmas/Kwanzaa/Chanukkah Traditions. Here are some traditions from the UK and Kwanzaa, an African-American celebration that is symbolic of several values. This page looks at different ways of celebrating Christmas in various parts of the world. What do the symbols mean? Here is a page that explainsthem. Learn all about Chanukkah at this site.

2. Looking for wedding traditions? This site has them from all around the world.

3. Baby traditions. From tradions at the time of birth in Europe, North America, China, to baby naming ceremonies around the world it is obvious, that precious bundle of joy wields a lot of power right from conception.

4. Rites of passage are extremely important in helping us lead our children into adulthood, or from one phase of life to another. The traditions can be used to help make difficult subjects easier to broach and have our children looking forward to becoming more responsible. This site has information about rites of passage from different ethnic groups. Hindu rituals and rites of passage are described on this site.

The BBC (British Broadcasting Company) highlighted some interesting rites of passage on its site.

No matter what we choose to do, we will be leaving a legacy for our children that will develop in them a strong sense of who they are, and what they stand for. Don't see anything that might be great to incorporate into your family tradition? Make up your own. There is no wrong tradition.