When I first saw this question, my instantaneous response was “Yes, of course!” Then I got thinking about it and couldn’t come up with a solid example.
I could mention going for walks in the fall and shuffling through fallen leaves, but that seems like a stretch. Or building snowmen and going sledding in the winter. The truth is, I want my characters to develop their own traditions.
Like the way Harmony, the main character in the Harmony Duprie Mysteries, always carries dog treats so she can give one to her landlords’ dog, Piper. Or the way she always pats some part of her car, Dolores – the roof, the hood- the trunk- before she gets in. Or how she counts the stairs going to her apartment on the third floor. But that may not be as much of a tradition as a symptom of her un-diagnosed ADD.
I tried harder in my urban fantasy/paranormal series, The Free Wolves, to create traditions as part of my world building. That was a necessity because part of the conflict in the series in tradition vs the modern world. To create a character who supports traditions while at the same time breaking those traditions frequently made for some great tension.
Here’s a quick snippet from Wolves’ Knight that highlights the conflict:
“In here, between us, I’d appreciate it if you call me Gavin. I’d get rid of the title if I could, but that’s not going to happen.”
“Pack tradition is hard to change.” Tasha used her free hand in a futile effort to return her hair to a resemblance of neatness.
“I didn’t realize how hard it would be.” Gavin frowned. “I thought that as our generation came into power, we’d be able to change all those things we talked about when we were younger. It never ceases to amaze me how many people our age are happier sticking with tradition because it’s easier.”
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So, the answer is no. I haven’t included family traditions. I leave it up to my characters to create their own.
I think that’s a really profound insight: that we stick to a lot of traditions just because it’s easier that way. Change is necessary sometimes, but change also comes with a lot of risk.
I think, in some ways, we humans are wired to go with tradition. They are an instinctual safety net.
Hey, I count the stairs up to my apartment, too. But I think that’s because I want to feel like I’m closer to the end because I hate going up those stairs!
As Harmony says “The numbers never change, but the simple act of counting makes me feel better.” She also counts the steps leading into her favorite library.
I think giving characters traditions give them more depth.
Agreed. Especially if you can tie it to their upbringing.