Introduction
The preservation of individual family traditions is an important component of the cultural heritage, and the desire to follow certain customs and pass them from generation to generation emphasizes attachment to family values. Regardless of the place of residence, it is always possible to ensure that children and grandchildren have an idea of what rituals are typical for a particular cultural group and why it is essential to preserve some values as they have become over the years of family’s existence.
The history of the traditions of people living in the United States but having a different origin has a significant impact on the way of life that emigrants’ descendants lead. In particular, persistent religious beliefs have predetermined the principles of celebrating various Catholic holidays – Christmas, Easter, and others, which, as a rule, are celebrated in the circle of loved ones at the invariably festive table.
Family Customs
Each family has a special tradition that is common for only specific people and their loved ones. The custom to joyfully celebrate Catholic holidays – is what is usual for many families of Hispanic origin, including ours. Father tried in every possible way to preserve particular rites of cooking certain dishes, entertainments, etc., and today, these habits are firmly rooted within our family. The same situation is met in other cultures.
For someone, a funeral procedure is special, and for someone, the birth of a child should be uniquely celebrated (Yang 367). At the same time, particular traditions are passed from generation to generation and sometimes are the secret of a narrow circle of people, which is especially true of religious rites (Del Guercio 373). The history of our traditions is quite trivial; nevertheless, following them is an integral part of our family.
The Influence of the Environment on Traditions Preservation
Due to the fact that the United States is a multinational country, many cultures and traditions are intertwined here. However, there are those rites that still remain unique and belong to a narrow group of people, which is usually expressed within families. Thus, one of the values of our family is to celebrate great holidays at all costs.
Such traditions have been traced for many centuries, and the influence of the environment is insignificant. For example, according to anthropologists, ancient groups of people living on the territory of the North American continent also had unique rituals that characterized their culture (Milner 340).
Also, the characteristic features can also be observed in the East. Despite the influence of Western culture, a number of peculiarities and unique traditions are still present in these countries (Steele and Major 352). According to Gonzalez and Méndez-Pounds, Hispanic immigrant families living in the US quickly adapt to the local culture, but at the same time, they strive to preserve their own unique rites (56). It is, perhaps, the primary value – to be able to at all costs preserve family traditions and transfer them from generation to generation.
Conclusion
Thus, our family traditions are closely connected with the celebration of religious holidays. Despite the environment, the preservation of rituals is possible even in a multinational country where many cultures can be met. The observance of traditions is one of the ways of forming family values and rallying relatives, which is essential in constantly changing priorities of the society.
Works Cited
Del Guercio, Gino. “The Secrets of Voodoo in Haiti.” One World, Many Cultures, edited by Stuart Hirschberg and Terry Hirschberg, 10th ed., Pearson, 2017, pp. 372-379.
Gonzalez, Natali, and Joanna Méndez-Pounds. “The Impact of Acculturation and Cultural Values on Hispanic Immigrants’ Parenting.” Contemporary Family Therapy, vol. 40, no. 1, 2018, pp. 56-67.
Milner, Harold. “The Distance Between Us.” One World, Many Cultures, edited by Stuart Hirschberg and Terry Hirschberg, 10th ed., Pearson, 2017, pp. 340-345.
Steele, Valerie, and John S. Major. “China Chic: East Meets West.” One World, Many Cultures, edited by Stuart Hirschberg and Terry Hirschberg, 10th ed., Pearson, 2017, pp. 352-358.
Yang, Kao K. “Walking Back Alone.” One World, Many Cultures, edited by Stuart Hirschberg and Terry Hirschberg, 10th ed., Pearson, 2017, pp. 365-371.