What is the Difference Between Customs and Traditions?

The main difference between customs and traditions lies in their duration and the scope of people they are observed by.

Customs are:

• Social practices followed by the majority of people in a society or culture.
• Not as old as traditions and may be observed only at the family or individual level.
• Can be short-lived and may not be passed down through generations.
• Examples include shaking hands when meeting someone for the first time or celebrating a specific holiday.

Traditions are:

• Practices that have been passed down through generations and are observed by a larger segment of society or culture.
• More deeply rooted in the culture and history of a group, often serving as a link to the past.
• Usually last longer than customs and are more likely to be passed down to future generations.
• Examples include holiday celebrations like Hanukkah or specific family traditions, such as an annual family reunion.

In summary, customs and traditions are both beliefs and practices that have evolved over time, but customs are typically shorter-lived and observed by fewer people, while traditions are more enduring and widely observed within a society or culture.

Comparative Table: Customs vs Traditions

Here is a table highlighting the differences between customs and traditions:

In summary, customs are specific behaviors or practices, while traditions are larger, more enduring cultural practices that are passed down through generations. Customs can vary from one community to another, whereas traditions are unique to specific cultures. Customs are commonly accepted practices, whereas traditions are often tied to cultural or religious beliefs.