17 American Traditions that Need to Go
Traditions are an integral part of culture and usually mirror the values and beliefs we’ve carried from generation to generation. However, as society evolves, some of the rituals and practices behind them might become irrelevant or counterproductive.
Take, for example, timekeeping ‘traditions‘ that poison our health and social ‘traditions‘ that are shockingly out of step with our world. Here are 17 American customs and why it’s time to stop them.
Daylight Saving Time
First introduced in World War I as a means to save energy, we now question whether DST works. According to Harvard Health, research shows DST is detrimental to a person’s sleep pattern, increasing depression rates and bringing on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Then, its relevance is further complicated after studies found that DST has minimal effect on energy conservation—the original impetus for its creation. But there’s increasing advocacy for doing away with the practice entirely, with states such as Florida and Washington suggesting permanent standard time. The end of daylight saving time isn’t just about convenience; it’s about better health for tens of millions of people.
Changing Last Names After Marriage
It’s no longer patriarchy; it has diminished. As far as patriarchy is concerned, women are expected to take their husbands’ last names. A 2015 Google Consumer Survey found that about 22 percent of women in heterosexual marriages keep their maiden names.
There has been a shift in attitudes toward gender roles and identity. Why can’t we keep our individuality in marriage? Couples are rewriting this tradition to better align with modern values of equality and autonomy.
Gender Reveal Extravaganzas
Cake cutting for the royal couple began as a simple tradition but has quickly spiraled into a social media spectacle, with consequences for the environment and safety. Gender-reveal celebrations have stirred up controversy from these explosions leading to wildfires and tragic accidents from falling debris.
Luckily, most expectant parents are opting out of biggies in favor of tiny parties (hello, cupcake reveal, anyone?) or leaving the whole thing out. Avoiding these reveals also helps sidestep the gender binary dialogue these parties so often bring to the surface.
Respecting Elders Without Question
Society has, for many decades, expected us to respect elders. However, if an elder does something disrespectful or harmful, what then? As younger generations draw lines in the sand and own the concept that they will respect elders, but only if earned with behavior, they challenge the idea of granting respect without question.
With older individuals in particular, an abusive comment or discriminatory opinion shouldn’t be tolerated just because it comes from an older person. With this shift, accountability is carried across generational lines, and it’s taught that respect is a two-way street.
Block Parties and Neighborhood Gatherings
Block parties once were part of the suburban landscape, but those days are a rarity. The satisfaction of face-to-face neighborhood interactions is mainly gone, replaced with daily busyness and life on Facebook Groups. According to a Pew Research study, only about 26% of Americans know most of their neighbors.
While neighborhoods may be accustomed to large block parties, this may also be the time to ditch the big events and instead celebrate with informal small gatherings or spend time online building community.
Black Friday Shopping
Do you remember back when there was the madness of midnight Black Friday sales? They’re falling by the wayside in those early morning stampedes. Thanks to a surge in online shopping and the days of stretching a ‘Black Friday Week,‘ fewer Americans walk the long lines. According to a recent survey, 66 percent of retailers preferred to shop online sales over in-store deals.
Consumers prioritize convenience over chaos, and who could blame them? In the meantime, retailers are responding by focusing on sales strategies that are digital-first, safer, and less stressful.
Bobbing for Apples
Although associated with fall festivities, bobbing for apples is slowly losing popularity. This tradition, however, is less appealing now since issues regarding hygiene have been raised, especially in light of health crises such as COVID-19.
Moreover, as party tastes change, hosts entertain their visitors with more creative activities, including DIY caramel apple stations.
Large Weddings
Many people consider big weddings extravagant and impractical. However, due to the limitations of the pandemic, we’ve witnessed a strong trend toward intimate ceremonies.
Rather than sprawling displays of luxury, small weddings focus on more meaningful connections—in which today’s financial and emotional priorities are aligned.
Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties in Vegas
Millennials—and increasingly Gen Z—are less inclined to spend money on lavish destination bachelor and bachelorette parties.
The Knot said eco-friendly, budget-conscious staycations have emerged as a popular alternative. These low-key celebrations are no less memorable but don’t involve a financial hangover.
Thank You Cards
Writing thank you cards is becoming less common as a tradition. Many people have gotten over the work of sending handwritten cards, contributing to the declining number of people who send them. However, if you do need something for a special occasion (wedding, formal occasion), sometimes a personalized note is a must.
Christmas Cards
Thank you notes are overtaking Christmas cards. Data suggests that the average household now sends far fewer Christmas cards than just two decades ago. One factor? Holiday wishes can be shared digitally, and social media makes it more accessible.
Infant Christenings
Infant christenings were common for Christian families in the past. But many parents today, some modern, prefer that their children decide about their faith later in life. The term ‘spiritual but not religious,’ which has also gained wider cultural traction, saw a net increase of 8% in people identifying as this between 2012 and 2021.
Yearbook Signings
The physical yearbook signing tradition is declining as smartphones document high school memories, and Instagram serves more as a virtual yearbook. Many schools have also shifted to digital yearbooks as a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly solution.
Bake Sales
The strain of tradition also includes the classic bake sale. With busy schedules and increased food costs, fewer people attend these school events. Instead, schools prefer fundraisers such as online sales, charity runs, and people donating money.
College Homecomings
College homecomings were big once but aren’t as prominent as they used to be. Social media allows many alums to stay connected, fulfilling homecoming’s original intent. The attendance numbers reveal as much, as fewer universities throw extravagant celebrations.
School Calendars Based On Agriculture
Since most school calendars were built around planting and harvest seasons, this didn’t fit with modern life. Some districts in states like Michigan and Arizona have shifted to a year-round school schedule, claiming better academic retention and the ability for families to take vacations during school time.
Private Fireworks Displays
Many towns regulate (or outright ban) personal fireworks for safety concerns and environmental impact. Other families choose professional shows or even drone displays at more family-friendly rates than there used to be, as well as a more eco-friendly process alternative picking up nationwide.
Traditions are important because without them, we’d lose our sense of identity and continuity, yet their existence should not stand in the way of progress. When we rethink these ways, we can make room for new, better-fitting practices for today’s needs and values.
Which traditions need to be updated—or thrown in the garbage? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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