IE2 Unit 4 – Customs & Traditions – Useful Vocabulary

Vocabularies:
1. Ritual (noun) - A set of actions performed regularly, often as part of a religious or cultural
ceremony.
• Example: - The wedding ceremony included various traditional rituals.
2. Ceremony (noun) - A formal event or series of acts conducted to mark a special occasion.
• Example: - The graduation ceremony was a memorable event for the students.
3. Heritage (noun) - The cultural, historical, or natural legacy passed down from previous
generations.
• Example: - The town's heritage is preserved in its historical buildings.
4. Customary (adjective) - In accordance with tradition or common practice.
• Example: - It is customary to exchange gifts during the holiday season.
5. Festival (noun) - A celebration or series of events typically held at a regular interval.
• Example: - The city hosts a vibrant cultural festival every summer.
6. Cultural diversity (noun) - The presence of various cultural groups with distinct traditions and
practices.
• Example: - The neighborhood reflects the cultural diversity of the city.
7. Cuisine (noun) - The style or method of cooking, especially as characteristic of a particular
country, region, or establishment.
• Example: - Italian cuisine is known for its delicious pasta and pizza dishes.
8. Ethnic (adjective) - Relating to a particular ethnic group, often associated with distinct customs
and traditions.
• Example: - The neighborhood is home to a diverse ethnic community.
9. Ceremonial (adjective) - Relating to or used in ceremonies, often with symbolic significance.
• Example: - The traditional dance had a ceremonial purpose during the harvest festival.
10. Protocol (noun) - A set of formal rules or customs governing behavior in official or diplomatic
situations.
• Example: - Diplomats follow a specific protocol when attending international meetings.
11. Parade (noun) - A public procession, often involving participants in elaborate costumes or
vehicles.
• Example: - The annual New Year's Day parade attracts thousands of spectators.
12. Pilgrimage (noun) - A journey, often to a religious site, undertaken for spiritual or cultural
reasons.
• Example: - Many believers embark on a pilgrimage to Mecca.
13. Heirloom (noun) - A valuable object that has been passed down through generations within a
family.
• Example: - The antique clock is a cherished heirloom in the family.
14. Superstition (noun) - A belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or trust
in magic or chance.
• Example: - Breaking a mirror is considered a superstition in some cultures.
15. Cultural exchange (noun) - The sharing of ideas, customs, and experiences between different
cultures.
• Example: - The school organized a cultural exchange program with students from Japan.
16. Symbolism (noun) - The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
• Example: - The colors of the national flag hold deep symbolism for the citizens.
17. Tradition (noun) - A long-established custom or belief passed down from generation to
generation.
• Example: - Thanksgiving dinner is a cherished tradition in many American families.
18. Ceremonial attire (noun) - Clothing worn for special occasions or rituals, often with symbolic
significance.
• Example: - The bride wore traditional ceremonial attire for the wedding.
19. Folklore (noun) - The traditional beliefs, customs, and stories passed down orally within a
community.
• Example: - Folklore often includes myths and legends.
20. Rite of passage (noun) - A ceremony or event marking an important transition in a person's life.
• Example: - Graduation is a rite of passage from school to adulthood.
21. Multicultural (adjective) - Reflecting or embracing multiple cultures within a society.
• Example: - The city is known for its multicultural population.
22. Conservative (adjective) - Holding traditional values and resistant to change.
• Example: - The community is conservative in preserving its cultural heritage.
23. Harmony (noun) - The state of being in agreement or having a balanced and orderly
arrangement.
• Example: - The cultural festival celebrated the harmony of diverse traditions.
24. Artisan (noun) - A skilled craftsman or craftswoman who produces handmade goods.
• Example: - The market showcases the work of local artisans.
25. Cultural identity (noun) - The feeling of belonging to a particular cultural group with shared
values and customs.
• Example: - Maintaining cultural identity is important for diaspora communities.
26. Contemporary (adjective) - Pertaining to the present time or the modern era.
• Example: - Contemporary art often reflects current social issues.
27. Historical legacy (noun) - The impact of past events, actions, or decisions on the present.
• Example: - The historical legacy of the revolution shaped the nation's identity.
28. Civic celebration (noun) - A public event commemorating a significant aspect of a community's
history or culture.
• Example: - The city organized a civic celebration for its anniversary.
29. Iconic (adjective) - Widely recognized and regarded as a symbol of a particular time or culture.
• Example: - The traditional dance became iconic for the region.
30. Orthodox (adjective) - Adhering to traditional or established beliefs and practices.
• Example: - The orthodox ceremony followed centuries-old rituals.
Phrases & Idioms:
31. Embrace cultural diversity - To welcome and appreciate the variety of customs and traditions
within a community.
• Example: - Our school encourages students to embrace cultural diversity through
various events.
32. Celebrate with pomp and circumstance - To mark an occasion with grandeur and formality.
• Example: - The royal wedding was celebrated with pomp and circumstance, attracting
global attention.
33. Hand down a legacy - To pass on traditions, values, or possessions from one generation to the
next.
• Example: - The family business has been handed down as a legacy for several decades.
34. Blend old and new - To incorporate both traditional and modern elements.
• Example: - The art exhibition successfully blended old and new styles, attracting a
diverse audience.
35. Preserve cultural heritage - To protect and maintain the unique customs and traditions of a
culture.
• Example: - The museum's mission is to preserve the cultural heritage of the region.
36. Create lasting memories - To make experiences that will be remembered for a long time.
• Example: - The festival provided an opportunity for families to create lasting memories
together.
37. Adopt a ritual - To incorporate a specific practice or ceremony into one's routine.
• Example: - Many people adopt the ritual of morning meditation for a peaceful start to
the day.
38. Respect cultural norms - To show consideration for the accepted behaviors and practices of a
particular culture.
• Example: - It is essential for travelers to respect cultural norms when visiting foreign
countries.
39. Follow the protocol - To adhere to the formal rules or procedures associated with a particular
activity.
• Example: - During official events, diplomats follow a strict protocol.
40. Pass the torch - To transfer responsibility or a tradition to the next generation.
• Example: - The retiring principal passed the torch to the newly appointed school leader.
41. Keep alive a tradition - To continue practicing a custom or belief over time.
• Example: - The community works together to keep alive the tradition of a yearly harvest
festival.
42. Reflect cultural values - To represent the core principles and beliefs of a particular culture.
• Example: - Traditional art often reflects cultural values and societal norms.
43. Pay homage to ancestors - To show respect and honor to those who came before.
• Example: - The annual ceremony is a way to pay homage to the ancestors and their
contributions.
44. Bridge generation gaps - To reduce the differences in beliefs and understanding between
different age groups.
• Example: - Family gatherings provide an opportunity to bridge generation gaps through
shared stories.
45. Instill a sense of pride - To cultivate a feeling of honor and satisfaction in one's cultural identity.
• Example: - Learning about the country's history can instill a sense of pride among its
citizens.
46. Break with tradition (idiom) - To do something in a new or different way than what is
customary.
• Example: - The chef decided to break with tradition and add a modern twist to the
classic recipe.
47. Pass down from generation to generation (idiom) - To transfer or hand down customs,
knowledge, or traditions to one's descendants.
• Example: - The family heirloom has been passed down from generation to generation.
48. Out of the ordinary (idiom) - Unusual or different from what is customary.
• Example: - Their wedding ceremony was out of the ordinary, incorporating unique
customs.
49. Keep up with the times (idiom) - To stay current or adapt to contemporary trends and practices.
• Example: - The company invested in new technology to keep up with the times.
50. Set the stage for (idiom) - To create the conditions or circumstances for something to happen.
• Example: - The cultural exchange program set the stage for mutual understanding
between the communities.
51. Pass with flying colors (idiom) - To succeed or excel in a test, examination, or task.
• Example: - She passed the