Customs are widely regarded as the traditional practices and beliefs passed down through generations in a particular group or society. These customs, over time, have evolved with changing societal trends. The technological advancements, globalization, and the emergence of the Information Age has brought about drastic changes in the way we interact and practice our customs.
With the increasing trend of urbanization, people are becoming more mobile. As a result, the traditional customs and practices have been challenged by the fast-paced lifestyle of the modern world. We can observe that much of the customs now practised have experienced alterations when compared to what was obtainable in the past. For instance, the popularity of social media has affected the way people celebrate traditional festivals.
In the past, customs were observed mostly within the confines of the local community. However, with the advent of modern communication technologies like smartphones and the internet, customs and traditions are now being democratized. Anyone from any part of the globe can learn about other people’s customs and even adopt them. This has led to cultural integration as people now embrace diverse habits, lifestyles and practices.
Not only have customs and traditions been democratized, they’ve also been commercialized. In a bid to keep up with the pace of modern society, customs and traditions are often repackaged, and new commercial customs and consumer traditions are created. For example, the practice of sending e-cards during holiday seasons is fast becoming a popular way of passing the season’s greetings.
In conclusion, customs and traditions are subject to evolution due to its interaction with the dynamics of modernity. Changes in technology, lifestyle and even social values can challenge time-honoured customs. Even though the evolution of customs has a positive impact on the growth of society, it is still vital to preserve what is unique and central to a particular culture. Therefore, as customs evolve, we must endeavour to conserve the socio-cultural authenticity of our traditions.
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