What’s a cultural tradition from your country that you love?
Culture is the sum of traditions, customs and ways of worship. It is how a group of people identifies itself. It is inculcated from childhood. Later, religion took a key position, pushing culture to become an aspect of it. Religion with a positive purpose can be beneficial to humanity. It makes a person humble and grounded. A genuine faith is bliss and protects from ignorance.
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Key Takeaways
- Culture is the sum of traditions and customs, and it forms the identity of societies and individuals.
- Religion influences culture both positively and negatively, often leading to the prioritisation of religious identity over cultural identity.
- Despite biological similarities, humans exhibit diverse languages and customs shaped by their environments and histories.
- The evolution of culture parallels human development, with agriculture and nature worship playing key roles in its formation.
- Genuine faith fosters respect for nature and promotes a humble and enlightened way of life, steering away from hypocrisy.
Culture and religion: Identity
Culture is the identity of an individual society and nation. It is the sum of the behaviour, customs, traditions, and food habits of a group of individuals. It starts with a closed yet open group called family. The phrase “closed yet open” may seem like an oxymoron, but it is true in the sense of family. A family is the basic unit of society, formed after a nuptial bond. The legitimate couple begets children. Thus, a bond establishes between parents and their children. The children have genetic material from both parents. In this sense, they are close. The interaction with the outside realm makes it open. Each member of a family has their friends, colleagues and classmates.
Traditions Since childhood
The seeds of culture are sown from the beginning. A child born into a particular set of customs and traditions grows up watching them. The traditions and customs percolate deep down in their psyche to become a part of their identity. They assimilate into their body and soul so much so that it becomes their natural behaviour, not acquired. A group of families having similar customs, traditions, rituals and beliefs forms a subgroup of a large group. It is the basis of caste, subcaste, division and subdivision, which is broadly based on their faith and way of worship.
Humans are same
Biologically, human beings are not different. Their genus and species are the same across the world. Scientifically, they are Homo sapiens, but there are a number of ethnic groups based on their physical appearance and place of origin. They may be Hispanic, Asian, and Mangoloids depending upon the region, language and culture. Despite slight variation in genetic structure, which expresses itself in their physical features, humans are bipedal, erect-postured, warm-blooded individuals with highly developed brains and the capacity for articulated speech.
Different languages
Though the human race is biologically similar, their language and accent differ widely. Even the language of the same family differs with distance and place. Language is an important part of cultural identity. People speaking a particular language observe the same celebrations as others of their broad group, but their traditions are subtly different. The thread that is common keeps them bound to their root.
Evolution of culture and religion
Culture evolved as humans evolved. In antediluvian times, when humans were hunter-gatherers, they didn’t know about god, but when they encountered a jungle inferno, they realised its power. The awe-stricken people started worshipping fire. The same is the case with other natural elements like air, water, space and the Earth. In due course of time, worship began and became institutionalised to take the form of culture.
Agriculture and humans
The nomadic cave dwellers learned agriculture. This forced them to lead a settled life. Animals came into their life and they befriended them. Later, some 15,000 years ago, the first animal tamed was the dog. The domestication of animals helped strengthen their cultural roots. Cattle played a vital role in rooting culture deeply. Bovine animals, especially cows and oxen, became important animals because they provided milk and help in agricultural activities. Learning to convert milk into various forms gave them variety in food. It was nutritious and good for their overall health. In some cultures, cows and oxen considered pious. In present times, too, a few groups of people consider the cow akin to a mother, like the Earth. This is their culture, which differentiates them from others.
Tradition of Nature worship
There was a tradition of Nature worship, without a watertight compartmentalisation. Ancient people practised idol worship and followed a set of rituals during and after life. The last rites of a decease was a sacred ritual, and bodies mostly consigned to fire. Later, burial became the practice after the advent of Christianity and Islam. (Sociology.Institute)
Religion and tradition
The growth of the population and the division of the population into clans, compounded by the inquisitive mind, began the concept of religion and the mode of worship. Gradually, this became deep-rooted tradition, and religious identity replaced cultural identity, yet culture and religion stayed linked. Soon losing its significance, culture became an aspect. Religious diversity began with the diversification of belief, which forced upon the people. Using force or emotional appeal, the common people made to follow a particular sect or religion. Proselytisation was common. Religions spread by the sword or the mighty power of the state.
Compulsive sacrosanct
It was made compulsively sacrosanct by weaving stories about events extraordinaire, impossible for humans to imagine. The concept of heaven and hell was introduced. Nourished with the manure of superstitions and blind faith, the concept grew fast, and new forms of culture began to grow. The religion gradually became rigid. Atrocious behaviour by religious bigots was frequent in religious history. The questioning people subjected to severe punishments. In a sense, bigotry and radical thoughts were essential to establish the terror. In some cultures, God were presented as fury, defaying Him would cause epidemics and destruction. The biblical parting of the Red Sea to give way as requested by Moses is one such miracle described as an episode in the book of Exodus. Similarly, the churning of the sea by demigods and demons is vividly described in the Vishnu Purana, Bhagavat Purana and also in the Mahabharata.
Positive purpose
Religion, when used for positive purposes, is a miracle. It helps greatly in the emancipation of humans. With culture, religion becomes a means of balanced life. Initially, the faith was not institutionalised, nor was it divided into compartments. People feel obliged towards Nature and its forces, which provide them food, fresh air and clean water for their survival. The feeling of obligation caused them to worship natural forces and offer oblations. The agricultural produce was the cause of happiness. They celebrated the harvest, used to sing and dance and had community dinners. It was later observed as festivals.
Trees and plants
Trees and plants were treated with the utmost respect. This cultural aspect inculcates a sense of respect for trees, which give us fresh air, sweet fruits and are home to many animals and birds. Watering trees and taking care of them is a pious duty of everyone who believes in Sanatan tradition and follows it. The scientific and philosophical aspect of culture and religion in Sanatan tradition is not limited to worshipping rivers, trees and deities; it conveys a message for humanity.
Yamaraj
An example would clarify it. In Sanatan tradition, Yamaraj is the god of death who rides on a bull buffalo. The philosophical aspect is its symbolism. Yama means rule or prudence, and Raj means who rules. It is the rule of prudence, knowledge and virtue. The bull buffalo symbolises foolishness, ignorance and stupidity. The Symbolic significance of Yamaraj is the suppression of ignorance and stupidity by the power of knowledge and wisdom. He is the lord of death who exercises the power with utmost judicious thought. He signifies that prudence, reasonableness, and wisdom are effective tools in clearing the darkness of ignorance and foolishness. Knowledge is the only means to reach the ultimate truth, as Lord Krishna says in the Gita.
Hypocrisy
The culture arising out of prudence is an elixir of good life. Instead of blind following, a reasoned and logical following can lead to bliss. It is, thus, a portal to enlightened life. It prohibits bigotry and intolerance. An inclusive culture with respect for everyone is beneficial for humanity. This can’t be limited to celebration and festivities. Though they add colour and vitality to life, but it is not sufficient. Mental upliftment is more important. Praying to god, worshipping and observing rituals can be an aspect, but not the ultimate. Believing something but not following its principles is hypocrisy and demeans God and faith. Religion makes a person humble and keep grounded. The miasma of falsehood created by fake godmen leads to the dark den of rigid mentality, away from God. God is the Almighty. He doesn’t do harm but protects the righteous and punishes the culprits.
Path to bliss
A genuine faith leads to bliss and protects from falling in the ditch of ignorance.
Further reads:
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Kamal Kishore Srivastava
A retired government officer turned writer and photographer, Kamal Kishore Srivastava is a regular blogger and essayist who explores life’s deeper meanings through immersive reflections on nature, impermanence, and happiness. On his blog Nature’s Narrative, he blends philosophical storytelling with practical insights. Writing 1,200–1,500 words or more regularly, Kamal is committed to refining his craft, expanding his audience, and building a sustainable space where thought and feeling intersect.
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