There are countless other cultural traditions, considered 'harmless' and beneficial such as Christmas which I am sure many here indulge. Can't stand that rubbish. I am not against partying but why have it over some stupid thing like that, — unimportant

Christmas used to be good. The spirit and the season were different. Then retail stores took over the tradition and now Christmas is about spending.

Christmas used to be good. The spirit and the season were different. Then retail stores took over the tradition and now Christmas is about spending. — L'éléphant

Interesting. And not unnoticed! However, does it not take two to tango? The average person does, or at least desires to, hold or perhaps be invited to, feasts essentially. And giving gifts is a form of thanksgiving and charity that surely has a place in society. Both these things require, well, purchasing what one does not generally have lying around. Not everyone is a farmer who owns cattle, pigs, chickens, and such they can slaughter by hand and then invite friends, family, and neighbors over. Not everyone has the skill or time to create handmade things that have value and utility (that would actually be appreciated by the person beyond the politeness of appreciating effort, especially in the modern age). So, people generally have to buy things from those who do, no? Is there something inherently wrong with that, or better yet is there some realistic alternative that would fit the majority of people regardless of their widely different life circumstances? :chin:

I'm sure there are many people who choose to "opt out" of "commercialism", specifically on holidays. Good for them. But gift-giving in and of itself, at least once a year, perhaps to commemorate a religious story of such, or perhaps just to do because "it is better to give than receive" or simply because yes people, especially kids, do enjoy receiving new and useful things, surely isn't immoral or otherwise something civilization and society would be better off without? Sure, the businessmen will find a way to turn anything honest into a way to make more money. Just as the moral and pious will find a way to turn anything negative into something to be grateful for. Two different people, same ideologies.

A very interesting topic to ponder.

Basically, some empirical data suggests that our ancestors traditionally had a tail. Let's bring it back?

Traditionalism, rationalism, and other -isms, in my opinion, are always yet another attempt to bring order to the absurd. After all, it's much more comfortable to live with the idea that at the core of everything (the world around us) there's something—a purpose, a meaning, a purpose. When you proclaim communism, you discard traditionalism. Don't you think that nothing will fundamentally change? I'm referring to the replacement of one "belief" with another.

It's also worth noting that in recent years, traditionalism has indeed become very popular worldwide. This includes stuffing oneself into medieval costumes, forced celebration of holidays, ethnomusic, and so on. I see the answer in the human desire to find at least some kind of connection (especially something time-tested) in an era of blurring, deconstruction, and denial of everything. Traditionalists simply see the modern disappearance of all identity as an existential challenge for humanity itself.

Traditionalists may be called fools, but very soon, when our advanced societies enter a gradual decline due to our desire to erode all identity and tradition, we will see others rise up—with beards and tambourines—and rule.

Why do many people belive the appeal to tradition is some inviolable trump card?

And whence do you get your cards, sir? From the future?