The Origins of Customs: Key Takeaways
The Origins of Customs: Key Takeaways
The Origins of Customs: Key Takeaways
Societal customs often begin out of habit. A man clasps the hand of another upon
first greeting him. The other man—and perhaps still others who are observing—
take note. When they meet someone on the street later, they extend a hand. After
a while, the handshaking action becomes habitual and takes on a life of its own.
The failure of Prohibition demonstrates that when customs and laws promote
similar thinking and values, the law is more likely to be successful, while aws that
are not backed by custom and acceptance are more likely to fail. Congress
repealed the 18th Amendment in 1933.
Question:
He writes, “Can you explain the difference between habit, custom and
tradition?”
Answer:
Dear Ashraf,
Great question. All three words relate to actions that are done repeatedly. The
difference is that traditions and customs are practiced over a long period by
many people. A habit is more informal, and is usually limited to one person.
Let’s talk more about traditions and customs first. Traditions can include what
most people in a country do on holidays. For example:
Customs are also usual ways of behaving. But they are not as old as traditions,
and they are practiced by fewer people.
Here is an example:
“In the American workplace, it is the custom to shake people’s hands when
you first meet them"
Here is an example:
“When she reads the newspaper, Jane makes it a habit to look at the weather
first.”
We hope you will make it a habit to visit our website every day!