Traditions

Just because something's a tradition

Doesn't mean it's appropriate today.

As times change, so do traditions.

It's good that some are now passé.

 

Duels--for example--to "defend one's honor"

Were commonly practiced in the olden days.

In modern times people get

"Satisfaction" in other ways.

 

At one time eunuchs were numerous in China,

And many were employed in the Imperial Service.

Would you do that for a government job?

Yikes, the thought of it makes me nervous.

 

Castrati, too, were praised in the past

For childlike voices that were second to none.

But those whose voices deteriorated

Sadly lost out in more ways than one.

 

Years ago a widow in India

Threw herself on the funeral pyre

Of her dead husband. That practice is one

That people--thank goodness--no longer require.

 

Some cultures practiced animal sacrifice--

Let's hope it remains a thing of the past.

People should try a less harmful substitute:

Cut out chocolate; go on a fast.

 

Some wedding traditions are simple and harmless;

Brides wear something borrowed or blue.

Customs that don't deny us our rights

Or cause harm to others are ones to pursue.

 

The list of traditions could go on forever;

People feel they're a way to maintain

Our culture. But clearly certain customs

Are now outmoded or inhumane.

 

As long as we move with the times, we grow.

We learn from the past, but move ahead.

Moldy traditions that don't embrace

Love and compassion are better off dead.

 

(9-4-15)