Why are certain traditions lost while others are gained?
Saturday, October 24th, 2009I’m writing a term paper for my American Folklore class and I was wondering if you guys could give me some feedback. The topic for my paper is traditions gained and lost in families who immigrated to the United States. For example, back in the DR my parents celebrated Three Kings day and Quinceanera but after coming here they no longer do so, yet they also decided to celebrate Thanksgiving when they came here because it’s a family holiday and we’re big on family. So does anybody have similar stories they could share or maybe an opinion on why certain traditions are dropped while others are adopted? I’d appreciate your help:)
I can see how it would be easy to lose traditions that you were never very excited about back home. Also, traditions that are really hard to continue in your new home and traditions that you need a whole community to really get into the spirit of are both probably pretty easy to lose as well. I think the affection for the new culture and the desire to assimilate help to explain why the new traditions are adopted.
In short: out with the arcane and in with the turkey and gravy!