Difference between Culture and Tradition

When we learn about some nation’s culture, we can get a glimpse into its past, understand certain things about the people and at least get a general idea about what we can expect from an individual that belongs to this nation based on how close they are to their own culture. However, the latter also leads to the creation of stereotypes, when a person is expected to do something or like something based solely on their belonging to a certain nation/group.

The first key difference between the two terms is that actual set of things that each describes. Tradition would describe a belief or behavior.  Culture, on the other hand, is a term that is not just limited to beliefs and behaviors, though they are included. It also includes knowledge, art, morals, law, customs, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society. 

Tradition and custom have interchangeable and generalized meanings. "It's always been my custom to wipe my feet before entering someone else's house...". "Traditionally, the polls are crowded early but this Thursday, rain kept eager voters at bay...". Tradition, in the traditional (general historic) sense, means the way things have generally been done over history. "We keep with our traditions..." means we do things the way they have been done since anyone can remember. Commencement is a tradition. Breaking glasses at a Jewish wedding is a tradition.

The main thing to understand here is custom is something’s which a society practice , tradition is something which a society carry on , and culture is the behavior which defines a particular society traits.


Happy Learning!
Anamika Gupta
IAAN