Introduction

Traditions have an indelible effect on societies, cultures, and individuals, whether we recognize it or not. Some traditions become so integrated into our everyday lives that we take them for granted until we hear or observe something that contradicts them. What is a tradition? Why are traditions important?

For this exercise, you are going to explore some traditions that are changing in cultures outside the United States. Then you are going to select one of the changing traditions, summarize the reasons that the tradition is changing, and speculate on the effect that losing the tradition will have on the culture.

Destination Titles

Shaking Spain Out of Its Siesta
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/22/AR2006042201123.html)
Population Growth in Japan
(http://www.uwm.edu/~briancw2/pe/pg.html)

Directions

1.	Start with “Shaking Spain Out of Its Siesta” and read through the article. After you have finished, go to “Population Growth” and read “No Vacancy.” When you have finished reading the selections, choose one of the fading traditions and summarize the reasons the tradition is going away. Then speculate about what might happen in the culture if the tradition completely disappears.