Tradition

The subject of tradition has continually crossed my path over the past few weeks.

I have been reading "Untangling My Chopsticks" by Victoria Abbott Riccardi. She wrote the book whilst living, teaching and learning in Kyoto, Japan. She describes and deciphers in great detail various traditional matters relevant to Japanese culture, the tea ceremony, the wearing of a kimono, the New Years' rituals. I am intrigued that the Japanese have continued to pass on information and abide by even the most simple of traditions for literally centuries.

I recently revisited this lovely post from Angry Chicken. I love the dresses she made but more importantly the idea behind them.

Our neighbours are celebrating Greek Easter and their daughter's first birthday this weekend. They are off at church at the moment and are about to break their fast by sharing a meal with their closest friends and family members. There is something lovely about the community getting together to share their traditions.

Another friend of mine who has a son the same age as Little B decided to start baking Anzac cookies on Anzac Day. A nice tradition I feel. Perhaps not good for the waistline but a delicious tradition.

On Thursday I came across this apron which my nanna made and gave to me about 10 years ago.

I very nearly threw this baby out a few years ago when I went through my obnoxious "must have everything new reject everything old school cos I can afford to" kind of stage.

I am so glad I didn't.

We don't have many traditions in our family. But one of the few is that my nanna quite often made aprons for us. As she lived far away it was a treat for us to go and visit in the school holidays. For as long as I can remember she would make aprons for us to wear at her place every year. It was always fun to turn up and discover exactly what she had come up with.

This apron was one that she made for me to use when Mr B and I moved into our new home. To me it was her recognising that I was moving into a new stage in my life. It is lightweight. The fabric is so unusual it has always drawn discussion from those in front of whom I dared wear it!

I am not sure whether or not nanna will be up to making one for me this time around. I hope so. I would dearly like to have her share the experience with me. So hopefully I can pass it one.

What traditions do you and your friends and/or family share? What is your favourite thing about those traditions? What keeps you honouring those traditions?