Tradition vs. Custom — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 6, 2023
Tradition" refers to beliefs or practices passed down over generations, while "Custom" relates to habitual practices or conventions of a community or group.
Difference Between Tradition and Custom
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tradition" and "Custom" are terms that, while interconnected, have distinct nuances. "Tradition" primarily pertains to practices, beliefs, or values handed down through generations within families or societies. For instance, a family tradition might involve gathering for a specific holiday meal each year. On the other hand, "Custom" refers to accepted practices or behaviors in specific cultures or groups. For instance, a custom might dictate the appropriate way to greet someone in a particular society.
While both "Tradition" and "Custom" are cultural constructs, the former often has deeper roots in history, while the latter can be more about social conventions. Traditions usually carry emotional or symbolic significance, making them resilient and cherished. Customs, conversely, might be seen as societal norms which, while prevalent, might not carry the same emotional weight.
A key point of differentiation is that traditions often get passed intentionally, becoming ingrained as part of a group's identity. Customs, on the other hand, might emerge organically from repeated behaviors, creating an implicit social guideline. For instance, while it's a tradition for many to exchange gifts on Christmas, it's a custom in many workplaces to shake hands upon meeting.
Despite these distinctions, the boundary between "Tradition" and "Custom" can sometimes blur, as some customs evolve into traditions over time. What might begin as a common practice (custom) could eventually gain deeper significance and be passed down intentionally, transforming it into a tradition.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Practices or beliefs passed down over generations.
Accepted practices or behaviors in a group.
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Roots
Often has historical depth.
Can be more about current conventions.
Emotional Weight
Carries emotional or symbolic significance.
Might not carry the same depth.
Passing Down
Intentionally passed through generations.
Emerges from repeated behaviors.
Example
Family gatherings during holidays.
Greeting methods like handshakes.
Compare with Definitions
Tradition
A practice or belief passed down through generations.
Celebrating Thanksgiving is a cherished American tradition.
Custom
Social practices that are customary.
Welcoming guests with a feast is a generous custom.
Tradition
A long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting.
It's their family tradition to bake cookies together.
Custom
A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time
Custom demanded that a person should have gifts for the child
The old English custom of dancing round the maypole
Tradition
A pattern of behavior passed down within a society.
Wearing white at weddings is a Western tradition.
Custom
Regular dealings with a shop or business by customers
If you keep me waiting, I will take my custom elsewhere
Tradition
An artistic or literary method or style established by an artist, writer, or movement.
Modernist literature broke away from traditional narrative tradition.
Custom
Made or done to order; custom-made
A custom guitar
Tradition
A tradition is a belief or behavior (folk custom) passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past. A component of folklore, common examples include holidays or impractical but socially meaningful clothes (like lawyers' wigs or military officers' spurs), but the idea has also been applied to social norms such as greetings.
Custom
A traditional practice or usual way of doing something followed by a social group or people.
Tradition
The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication
Cultural practices that are preserved by tradition.
Custom
The tradition or body of such practices
The respect that is by custom accorded to the king.
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.
Custom
A habitual practice of a person
My custom of reading a little before sleep.
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.
Custom
Habitual manner or practice
I am not by custom a coffee drinker.
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.
Custom
(Law) A common tradition or usage so long established that it has the force or validity of law.
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.
Custom
Habitual patronage, as of a store
Tried to obtain the custom of the wealthiest shoppers.
Tradition
A piece of folklore
"a popular medieval tradition that identified the queen of Sheba with the Blessed Virgin Mary" (Nicholas Clapp).
Custom
Duties or taxes imposed on imported and, less commonly, exported goods.
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.
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The governmental agency authorized to collect these duties.
Tradition
A commonly held system. en
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The place where goods and baggage entering a country are inspected by this agency
Go through customs.
Tradition
An established or distinctive style or method:
Custom
Tribute, service, or rent paid by a feudal tenant to a lord.
Tradition
The act of delivering into the hands of another; delivery.
Custom
Made to order
Custom suits.
Tradition
(obsolete) To transmit by way of tradition; to hand down.
Custom
Specializing in the making or selling of made-to-order goods
A custom tailor.
Tradition
The act of delivering into the hands of another; delivery.
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving.
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.
Custom
Habitual buying of goods from one same vendor.
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.
Custom
(collectively) The habitual patrons (i.e. customers) of a business; business support.
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.
Custom
(legal) Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent. Compare prescription.
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.
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.
Tradition
To transmit by way of tradition; to hand down.
The following story is . . . traditioned with very much credit amongst our English Catholics.
Custom
A custom (made-to-order) piece of art, pornography, etc.
Tradition
An inherited pattern of thought or action
Custom
(obsolete) Familiar acquaintance; familiarity.
Tradition
A specific practice of long standing
Custom
Toll, tax, or tribute.
Tradition
A doctrine believed to have divine authority.
Certain religious rituals are grounded in tradition.
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.
Custom
Own, personal, not standard or premade.
We can embroider a wide range of ready designs or a custom logo.
Custom
(archaic) Accustomed; usual.
Custom
To make familiar; to accustom.
Custom
To supply with customers.
Custom
To pay the customs of.
Custom
To have a custom.
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.
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.
Custom
Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent; usage. See Usage, and Prescription.
Custom
Familiar aquaintance; familiarity.
Age can not wither her, nor custom staleHer infinite variety.
Custom
The customary toll, tax, or tribute.
Render, therefore, to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom.
Custom
Duties or tolls imposed by law on commodities, imported or exported.
Custom
To make familiar; to accustom.
Custom
To supply with customers.
Custom
To have a custom.
On a bridge he custometh to fight.
Custom
To pay the customs of.
Custom
Accepted or habitual practice
Custom
A specific practice of long standing
Custom
Money collected under a tariff
Custom
Habitual patronage;
I have given this tailor my custom for many years
Custom
Made according to the specifications of an individual
Custom
A habitual practice shared by members of a community.
The custom of tipping servers is common in the U.S.
Custom
Established practice or usage having the force of law or right.
It's a local custom to offer guests a drink.
Custom
A frequent repetition of the same act.
By custom, they met at the cafe every Friday.
Custom
Duties or taxes imposed on imports or exports.
She had to pay custom duties for the imported goods.
Common Curiosities
Are customs universal?
No, customs can vary widely between cultures, regions, and communities.
Are traditions always religious?
No, traditions can be secular or religious, and can exist in families, societies, or other groups.
How do customs emerge?
Customs often emerge organically from repeated behaviors in a community or group.
Can traditions change over time?
Yes, while the core essence might remain, the way traditions are practiced can evolve.
How do tradition and custom differ?
Tradition refers to practices passed down through generations, while custom involves accepted practices in a group.
Are customs always formal?
No, customs can be formal or informal, depending on the context.
Is every tradition ancient?
Not necessarily. While many traditions have deep roots, new traditions can and do emerge over time.
Do traditions always have a deep meaning?
Most traditions carry some significance, but the depth of meaning can vary.
How are customs enforced?
Customs are often enforced socially, through expectations and societal norms.
Can a custom become a tradition?
Yes, over time, a custom can evolve and gain deeper significance, turning into a tradition.
Can businesses have customs?
Yes, businesses can have customs, often referred to as "best practices" or "company culture".
Do modern societies still value traditions?
Yes, while modern societies evolve, many still value and uphold traditions, adapting them to contemporary contexts.
Why are traditions important?
They offer a sense of identity, continuity, and belonging, often connecting generations.
How do traditions influence culture?
Traditions play a key role in shaping the identity and values of a culture.
Can something be both a tradition and a custom?
Yes, some practices can be viewed both as traditions (passed down) and customs (widely accepted).
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
