Invented Tradition (concept)

Invented tradition refers to practices or customs that are established or promoted as if they are longstanding traditions, but in reality, they are relatively new or deliberately created. These traditions are often designed to foster a sense of continuity, identity, or unity within a community or group. While they may appear to have deep historical roots, their true origin may be recent or constructed for specific social, political, or cultural purposes. Essentially, invented traditions help shape perceptions of history and shared values, even though they are not genuinely ancient or time-honored.