Tradition keeps life fresh - and familiar

Joel Davison/From the Newsroom

By 5 p.m. the motor-vehicle intensity on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway reaches a fevered pitch as nervous drivers wait for a space between cars that would justify trying to pull into the stream of traffic.

As vehicles zip by, they provide a glimpse into modern life. Every fifth driver or so talks on his cell phone; others adjust radio dials, change CDs, watch DVDs, eat dinner or stare ahead at the line of crowded automobiles, everyone moving as fast as they can.

This scene replays itself every day, Monday through Friday, the same way at the same time. You might say it's a tradition, just not a very sacred or special one.

Unfortunately the grind often continues when people reach their destination, home or elsewhere. A quick bite to eat, a few chores, some prime-time programming and the evening is pretty much a wrap. The next morning, the entire scene plays out again.

Countless movies ("Office Space," "Falling Down") describe the daily grind of many modern American lives. The silver-screen solutions, however, are far better suited for Hollywood dramas than rank-and-file Americans.

Most people can't afford to switch careers, insult their boss, change locations to break free of the daily grind. Those who do escape to another scene often find, to their great displeasure, that the rat race is always on their heels and closing in fast. A new suit (or leather jacket) can't keep it at bay for long.

Tradition, however, might be the key to unlocking the "cage," as Bob Dylan calls it. Unfortunately, in a world of constant updates, upgrades and bridges to a future with new frontiers, tradition starts to sound like a dirty word.

The "T" word often gets lumped in with stodgy old men, ivory towers, religious oppression and overbearing parents.

These, however, are only the illegitimate spin-offs of tradition. In its truest expression, tradition is far more than just stifling change and protecting power. Tradition can embody family and national histories, shape individual identities and provide a context and rhythm for contemporary lives that move at increasing speeds.

Without tradition, the world would be devoid of birthday cakes, Christmas stockings and turkey dinners. Fishing trips, T-ball games and wedding dresses can also thank tradition for their continued existence.

The very idea of tradition is what makes life familiar and meaningful. It gives people something to look forward to, and, years later, it comes back through memories and stories.

The key is to intentionally carve out, protect and set aside time to observe tradition. Unlike 5 o'clock traffic or drive-through meal-deals, tradition requires setting the table, so to speak.

Family meals, evening stories, poker nights and annual fishing trips all fall under tradition. They're anticipated, repeated and intentionally observed events. The less we have to look forward to, the less intentional our lives become.

People need structure and rhythm. The whole world points to the reality of cycles and seasons. From fall harvest parties and storytelling traditions to cocktail parties and theater outings, tradition keeps life from becoming a reactionary chain of unintended activities.

Traditions don't just happen, though. Without intentional commitment, life tends to just trample tradition under the rat race. With a little forethought, however, human beings can hold the line.

Whether social, religious or recreational, we would all do well to cherish and uphold our most meaningful traditions.

Joel Davidson is a Frontiers-man reporter who covers education and cultural issues. He can be contacted at joel.davidson@ frontiersman.com.