Traditionalism Ritual

the first thanksgiving 1621, oil on canvas jean leon gerome ferris (1863–1930). painting shows common misconceptions event persist modern times: pilgrims did not wear such outfits, , wampanoag dressed in style of plains indians.

rituals appeal tradition , concerned repeat historical precedents accurately. traditionalism varies formalism in ritual may not formal yet still makes appeal historical. example american thanksgiving dinner, may not formal, yet ostensibly based on event puritan settlement of america. historians eric hobsbawm , terrence ranger have argued many of these invented traditions, such rituals of british monarchy, invoke thousand year-old tradition actual form originate in late nineteenth century, extent reviving earlier forms, in case medieval, had been discontinued in meantime. thus, appeal history important rather accurate historical transmission.