Tradition

tra·di·tion

[truh-dish-uhn] Show IPA

noun

1.

the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice: a story that has come down to us by popular tradition.

2.

something that is handed down: the traditions of the Eskimos.

3.

a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting: The rebellious students wanted to break with tradition.

4.

a continuing pattern of culture beliefs or practices.

5.

a customary or characteristic method or manner: The winner took a victory lap in the usual track tradition.

Relevant Questions

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Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English tradicion  < Old French  < Latin trāditiōn-  (stem of trāditiō ) a handing over or down, transfer, equivalent to trādit ( us ), past participle of trādere  to give over, impart, surrender, betray ( trā-,  variant of trāns- trans- + -ditus,  combining form of datus  given; see date¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Related forms

tra·di·tion·less, adjective

an·ti·tra·di·tion, adjective

coun·ter·tra·di·tion, noun

non·tra·di·tion, noun

pro·tra·di·tion, adjective

Synonyms
2. custom, practice, habit, convention, usage.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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I recently attended the State Fair with my children.  We were told that it's been over an eighty year tradition at the fair to carve a life size, realistic cow out of butter and place it on display in the dairy building.  Every year a real cow is selected.  Every year artists carve her likeness out of butter.  They even carve the surroundings including other animals and plants.  It's a sight to see.