I love to hear singers who know their stuff, love their stuff, know where it came from and why it is there. In Australia, "the Tradition" of the aboriginal people requires that you answer the periodic call to line up in what are called song lines. These song lines are determined by two factors, one - where your mother was when she first felt your quickening inside of her and two - where you were born. The shaman comes along and determines which song lines you belong to. There are two of them. In their culture, those lines go back to the very beginning of time. The song never varies. The people of each line are taught their part of the song from childhood. When the lines are called to gather, you are expected to sing your part perfectly at the exact time and exact place - or else you'll be killed. On the spot. There is no tolerance for interpretation - getting it right means everything. Each culture has what it calls "the Tradition". Not to detract from any of the deeply felt attachment and commitment that some posters here have to perpetuating their own "traditions". I have respect for those who are dedicated to the preservation of traditions. For me, the rigid definition of "the Tradition" being claimed only for those who are from the UK, Ireland, Scotland, the colonies, etc. is symptomatic of ethnocentrism. Not ethnic pride - that's a different thing altogether. Joyce K.
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