Tradition vs. Custom: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Tradition refers to inherited, established, or customary patterns of thought, action, or behavior, while custom is a practice followed by people of a particular group or region.
Key Differences
Tradition encompasses the beliefs, practices, and cultural elements passed down through generations. It represents a collective identity and shared history. In contrast, custom is more about specific practices or behaviors adopted by a particular group, often without the deep historical roots that traditions carry.
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Nov 23, 2023
Traditions are often linked with historical events, religious practices, or cultural heritage and are integral to a community’s identity. Customs, however, are more about everyday practices and social norms, which can vary widely even within the same cultural group.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
A tradition usually has a symbolic meaning or significance and is celebrated or observed across generations. On the other hand, a custom tends to be a habitual practice that is more about social etiquette or daily life rather than symbolic celebration.
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Nov 23, 2023
Traditions are often preserved and passed down intentionally and can sometimes be resistant to change. In contrast, customs can evolve more easily, adapting to changing social dynamics and environments.
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Nov 23, 2023
Traditions can be seen as the overarching "umbrella" under which various customs may fall. Customs are like the individual expressions or practices that manifest within the broader framework of a tradition.
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Nov 23, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Inherited cultural practices and beliefs.
Specific practices of a particular group or region.
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Nov 23, 2023
Scope
Broader, often encompassing entire communities or cultures.
Narrower, specific to certain situations or groups.
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Nov 23, 2023
Historical Significance
Generally has deeper historical roots.
Less about history, more about current practice.
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Nov 23, 2023
Flexibility
More rigid and resistant to change.
More adaptable and subject to change.
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Nov 23, 2023
Symbolic Value
Often symbolic or ceremonial.
More practical and less ceremonial.
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Nov 23, 2023
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Tradition and Custom Definitions
Tradition
A long-established custom or belief passed down through generations.
Celebrating Thanksgiving every year is an important family tradition.
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Nov 21, 2023
Custom
Established and accepted social practices.
In our office, it’s a custom to have casual dress Fridays.
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Nov 21, 2023
Tradition
Practices or rituals that are symbolic of a culture or society.
The tradition of lighting candles during Diwali represents the triumph of light over darkness.
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Nov 21, 2023
Custom
A traditional and widely accepted way of doing something.
Serving tea to guests is a common custom in many cultures.
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Nov 21, 2023
Tradition
A set of customs or beliefs that define a particular group or society.
It's a tradition in our school to have an annual day of community service.
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Nov 21, 2023
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Custom
Usual practices or conventions in a particular social setting.
It's a custom in our family to have a big brunch on Sundays.
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Nov 21, 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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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
A traditional practice or usual way of doing something followed by a social group or people.
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Oct 19, 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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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
The tradition or body of such practices
The respect that is by custom accorded to the king.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tradition
A set of such customs and usages viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present
Followed family tradition in dress and manners.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
A habitual practice of a person
My custom of reading a little before sleep.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tradition
A precept or a body of precepts that are not written in the sacred book of a religion, such as the Bible, but are considered holy or true.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tradition
A style or method of an activity or practice, especially of artistic expression, that is recognized and sometimes imitated
Satire in the tradition of Jonathan Swift.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
(Law) A common tradition or usage so long established that it has the force or validity of law.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tradition
A piece of folklore
"a popular medieval tradition that identified the queen of Sheba with the Blessed Virgin Mary" (Nicholas Clapp).
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
Habitual patronage, as of a store
Tried to obtain the custom of the wealthiest shoppers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tradition
A part of culture that is passed from person to person or generation to generation, possibly differing in detail from family to family, such as the way to celebrate holidays.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
Duties or taxes imposed on imported and, less commonly, exported goods.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The governmental agency authorized to collect these duties.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The place where goods and baggage entering a country are inspected by this agency
Go through customs.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
Specializing in the making or selling of made-to-order goods
A custom tailor.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tradition
The unwritten or oral delivery of information, opinions, doctrines, practices, rites, and customs, from father to son, or from ancestors to posterity; the transmission of any knowledge, opinions, or practice, from forefathers to descendants by oral communication, without written memorials.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tradition
Hence, that which is transmitted orally from father to son, or from ancestors to posterity; knowledge or belief transmitted without the aid of written memorials; custom or practice long observed.
Will you mock at an ancient tradition begun upon an honorable respect?
Naught but tradition remains of the beautiful village of Grand-Pré.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tradition
An unwritten code of law represented to have been given by God to Moses on Sinai.
Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
(collectively) The habitual patrons (i.e. customers) of a business; business support.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tradition
That body of doctrine and discipline, or any article thereof, supposed to have been put forth by Christ or his apostles, and not committed to writing.
Stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
(legal) Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent. Compare prescription.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tradition
To transmit by way of tradition; to hand down.
The following story is . . . traditioned with very much credit amongst our English Catholics.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
Traditional beliefs or rituals.
The Ancient Egyptian culture had many distinctive and interesting beliefs and customs; one custom was the mummification of the dead.
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Oct 19, 2023
Tradition
Heritage or long-standing practices shared among a group.
Wearing white at weddings is a tradition that symbolizes purity.
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Nov 21, 2023
Tradition
A ritual or belief that is passed down and holds cultural significance.
The tradition of storytelling in our culture has helped preserve our history.
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Nov 21, 2023
Custom
Created under particular specifications, specially to fit one's needs: specialized, unique, custom-made.
My feet are very large, so I need custom shoes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
Own, personal, not standard or premade.
We can embroider a wide range of ready designs or a custom logo.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same act; way of acting common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; usage; method of doing or living.
And teach customs which are not lawful.
Moved beyond his custom, Gama said.
A customMore honored in the breach than the observance.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
Habitual buying of goods; practice of frequenting, as a shop, manufactory, etc., for making purchases or giving orders; business support.
Let him have your custom, but not your votes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent; usage. See Usage, and Prescription.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
Familiar aquaintance; familiarity.
Age can not wither her, nor custom staleHer infinite variety.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
The customary toll, tax, or tribute.
Render, therefore, to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
Duties or tolls imposed by law on commodities, imported or exported.
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
Habitual patronage;
I have given this tailor my custom for many years
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Oct 19, 2023
Custom
A habitual practice or usual way of behaving specific to a group.
It is a local custom to greet someone by bowing slightly.
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Nov 21, 2023
Custom
A routine practice or standard behavior in a particular place.
Shaking hands when meeting someone is a customary greeting in many countries.
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Nov 21, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do traditions have a religious aspect?
Many traditions have religious origins, but not all are religious in nature.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
What is a tradition?
A tradition is a long-established custom or belief passed through generations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 23, 2023
How is a custom defined?
A custom is a habitual practice or usual way of behaving specific to a group.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can traditions change over time?
Yes, traditions can evolve, but they often retain their core significance.
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Nov 23, 2023
Are traditions important in today's world?
Traditions remain important as they connect people to their heritage and history.
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Nov 23, 2023
Are customs always related to cultural practices?
Customs often have cultural roots but can also arise from social norms or practices.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can a custom become a tradition?
Yes, over time, customs can evolve into traditions if they gain historical significance.
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Nov 23, 2023
Is a tradition always old?
Traditions are typically long-standing, but new traditions can also be established.
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Nov 23, 2023
Are all traditions culturally significant?
Most traditions hold cultural significance, although their importance can vary.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can customs vary within the same culture?
Yes, customs can vary significantly even within the same cultural group.
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Nov 23, 2023
Why do people follow traditions?
People follow traditions to honor their heritage, beliefs, and community ties.
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Nov 23, 2023
Do traditions play a role in education?
Traditions can play a role in education by teaching about cultural and historical values.
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Nov 23, 2023
How are customs passed down?
Customs are passed down through social practice and teaching within a community.
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Nov 23, 2023
How do customs reflect a society?
Customs reflect the daily practices, values, and norms of a society.
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Nov 23, 2023
Do customs need to be followed by everyone in a society?
Customs are generally followed by those who identify with the particular group or society.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can traditions be personal or family-based?
Yes, traditions can also be specific to families or individuals.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can a custom be specific to a particular event?
Yes, some customs are practiced only during specific events or situations.
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Nov 23, 2023
Can traditions be found in all cultures?
Yes, traditions are a universal aspect of human cultures.
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Nov 23, 2023
Is it important to respect other people's customs?
Yes, respecting other people’s customs is important for cultural understanding and harmony.
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Nov 23, 2023
Are customs legally binding?
Customs are not legally binding but are followed based on social consensus.
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Nov 23, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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