Traditions are events that people celebrate that have been maintained for many years. For example, Guy Fawkes Knight, Fourth of July and Day of the Dead.
Traditions around the World
There are many traditions that have already been around for thousands of years. One of these celebrations is Day of the Dead.
What is Day of the Dead?
Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico on November the 1st – 2nd where they celebrate death with colour, noise and lots of fun. The people celebrate with radiance, music and lots of food.
The celebration goes over two days where it is thought that the passageway between the real world and the spirit world is unclosed so the dead can come back to visit.
Find out more here – https://dayofthedead.holiday/history/
Bali’s Day of Silence (Nyepi)
Nyepi symbolises the first day of the Saka New Year and normally comes around March and April. The day of silence is honoured by limiting leisure and non-religious activities.
There are four ways that people can celebrate Nyepi. These are;
- Amati Geni (Not using fire or light)
- Amati (Not Working)
- Amati Lelungan (Not going outside)
- Amati Lelanguan (Avoiding Entertainment)
Find out more here – http://ubudhood.com/nyepi/
Having Your Own traditions
Traditions can be anything from what you do at Christmas, Eid or your anniversary etc.
Or
Traditions can be something like family reunions, game nights or something funny and quirky.
However, for those of you who don’t have traditions already, what is stopping you from making them now.
Having traditions that make you happy can allow you to look forward to something. Especially when you are having a hard time.
Why is it important to have traditions?
Making memories is something that everyone wants and traditions is one way to create these memories. It also allows you to get closer to the people you make the traditions with.
However, you can also create traditions by yourself which allows you to get a sense of identity and strengthens your principles such as freedom and independence.
Overall, traditions can allow you to reflect on the time between the last time the tradition took place. Lastly, you can use those traditions as some sort of stability and structure. For example, you can ask yourself, what do I want to achieve before this tradition comes around or where do I want to be with my mental health recovery by this point?