Traditio

Traditio is a Latin noun meaning “handing down” or “tradition,” derived from the verb tradere, to hand over. The term is used in various fields to denote the transmission of beliefs, practices, and knowledge from one generation to the next. In cultural and social contexts, traditio encompasses customs, rituals, language, crafts, and normative systems that persist over time, often adapting while preserving continuity with the past. In Roman law, traditio referred to the act of delivering possession as a mode of transferring ownership; this legal sense emphasizes the physical act of handing over tangible property.

In ecclesiastical Latin and Christian theology, traditio (often translated as “Tradition” in English) denotes the living transmission of the apostolic faith through the Church, complementing the written scriptural revelation. Different denominations vary in how they understand and apply Tradition, but in many branches of Catholic and Orthodox thought it encompasses liturgy, doctrines, and the teaching authority handed down from the apostles.

The term also appears in modern use as a generic label for works or organizations emphasizing traditional values or practices, without implying a single canonical interpretation. Overall, traditio captures the general concept of preserving and passing on wisdom, practices, and institutions across generations.

See also: tradition, cultural transmission, Sacred Tradition, Roman law.