British tradition & a lesson for Americans

I turned on the television Friday with the intent of watching the morning news. Instead, I was confronted with the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. I switched channels not once, not twice, but three times and I soon discovered every major network was focused on the Royal Wedding.

Since there was no escaping the regal nuptials, I decided to watch for a bit. I was immediately struck by the pomp and protocol of the proceedings. Rather than a celebrity circus, which is what I expected, what I encountered was an elegant affair deeply rooted in tradition.

The Royal Wedding was much more than a regal photo op. It was even more than two people exchanging wedding vows. It was a celebration of the monarchy -- the commemoration of British tradition.

While I may not fully understand the British devotion to the monarchy, I can appreciate the Brits' desire to cultivate a tradition that has historical relevance and meaning. Though the monarchy is mostly symbolic these days, symbols -- especially those anchored in tradition -- do serve a purpose and do convey meaning.

The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines tradition as "the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation." It is derived from the Latin "tradere" or "traderer" meaning to transmit, to hand over, to give for safekeeping.

Tradition is important to a culture. It helps to give a nation a sense of historical roots. Tradition celebrates meaningful realities and unites generations around shared values.

According to author Jim Black, tradition is not just important, it is vital. In his book, "When Nations Die," Black identifies 10 areas that signal a culture is on the brink of self-destruction. One of the danger signs a society is in trouble is the "loss of respect for tradition."

"What gives [national] life meaning is not our individuality and independence but the fact that we are part of the greater tapestry of culture," Black writes. "Culture and tradition are interwoven at every stage of ... national life, and to assault one is do damage to the other."

England, as well much of western civilization, is in the midst of a great cultural upheaval that seeks to divorce current culture from its past. In such a time as this, the Royal Wedding is a sign of health for the United Kingdom.

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