definition of tradition essay

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8 Tradition and Modernity

• Published: November 1997
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From the conventional definition of tradition as any cultural behavioral pattern or belief that has been passed on from one generation to another, the author attempts to formulate a new understanding of the word. In the course of this endeavor is the difficulty in delineating tradition from modernity since there are several past components that are carried on to the present. The chapter ignores the perspective that tradition has a natural legitimating structure and the notion that there is an “invented” customary practice. Although the “primitive” rituals and principles have positive features, wholesale acceptance of these is not necessarily true. With rational thinking, individuals in the “modern” or present setting should evaluate the applicability of what have been transmitted unto them prior to reception and application. Valuation of these practices, values and even institutions reflect the community's stand regarding advancement of technology, inherited systems and moral considerations.

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Definition of tradition

• prescription

Examples of tradition in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tradition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English tradicioun , from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradicion , from Latin tradition-, traditio action of handing over, tradition — more at treason

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing tradition

• carry on the tradition
• counter - tradition
• oral tradition
• steeped in tradition

Articles Related to tradition

Tulip/Turban, Cloak/Clock, & 8...

Tulip/Turban, Cloak/Clock, & 8 Other Doublets

When two words come from the same source

Dictionary Entries Near tradition

trading stamp

traditional

Cite this Entry

“Tradition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tradition. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of tradition.

Middle English tradicioun "tradition," from early French tradicion (same meaning) and Latin tradition-, traditio "the action of handing over, tradition," — related to treason see Word History at treason

Legal Definition

Legal definition of tradition.

French, legal transfer

More from Merriam-Webster on tradition

Nglish: Translation of tradition for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of tradition for Arabic Speakers

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Meaning of tradition in English

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• This college has a long tradition of athletic excellence .
• In keeping with tradition, they always have turkey on Christmas Day .
• The old people in the village still observe the local traditions.
• This tradition dates back to medieval times .
• Daphne is carrying on the family tradition by becoming a lawyer .
• Americanization
• anti-classical
• anti-conventional
• anti-institutional
• anti-traditional
• conventionally
• counter-tradition
• multicultural
• multiculturalism
• multiculturally
• traditionally
• ultra-conservatism
• ultra-conservative
• ultra-traditional
• unconventional

tradition | American Dictionary

Examples of tradition, collocations with tradition.

These are words often used in combination with tradition .

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Translations of tradition

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Hippocratic oath

a promise made by people when they become doctors to do everything possible to help their patients and to have high moral standards in their work

Sitting on the fence (Newspaper idioms)

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Definition of tradition noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• religious/cultural/ancient traditions
• This region is steeped in tradition.
• a tradition of something The company has a long tradition of fine design.
• The company has continued its tradition of innovation.
• The British are said to love tradition (= to want to do things in the way they have always been done) .
• They broke with tradition (= did things differently) and got married quietly.
• by tradition By tradition, children play tricks on 1 April.
• according to tradition According to tradition, a tree grew on this spot.
• There's a tradition in our family that we have a party on New Year's Eve.
• in the tradition of somebody He's a politician in the tradition of (= similar in style to) Kennedy.
• a native culture expressed almost wholly through an oral tradition (= that is only spoken and not written down)
• He is motivated by a family tradition of charity and good works.
• his country's rich folk traditions
• His work has earned him a central place in the African American literary tradition .
• By tradition, ships are often referred to as ‘she’ in English.
• Following in the Hitchcock tradition, he always appears in the films he directs.
• He broke with the family tradition and did not go down the mines.
• In a departure from tradition, the bride wore a red dress.
• He made it clear he was not going to be bound by tradition.
• In time-honoured tradition, a bottle of champagne was smashed on the ship.
• It became an annual tradition for me to ice the cake.
• Japan's rich cultural tradition and history
• The building was constructed in the best traditions of church architecture.
• The girl had challenged the traditions of her patriarchal tribe.
• The locals get together every year to keep this age-old tradition alive.
• The tradition dates back to the 16th century.
• They have inherited a rich tradition of music and dance.
• This region has a great musical tradition.
• an oral tradition handed down from generation to generation
• people of all faith traditions
• Brittany has a lively and very distinctive sense of tradition.
• Germany has a tradition of good quality newspapers.
• He decided not to follow the family tradition of joining the navy.
• This year there will be a break with tradition.
• The Punjabi have a proud military tradition.
• He is carrying on the family tradition of public service.
• This approach is in keeping with a long tradition.
• centuries-old
• according to (a/​the) tradition
• by tradition
• in (a/​the) tradition
• bound by tradition
• a departure from tradition
• in the best traditions of something

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• Subject: Culture
• Type: Essay
• Level: Masters
• Pages: 2 (500 words)
• Downloads: 3
• Author: krystelmills

Extract of sample "What is a Tradition"

What is a Tradition? Traditions are borne out of our own personal experiences, either positive or negative. One tradition that we may be familiar with may not be so recognizable to others. It is up to us to uphold our traditions and keep them going so that we do not lose sight of our cultural backgrounds. Part of accomplishing this is to respect the traditions of others—no matter how strange or uncomfortable they may seem to us. Each tradition is unique to the certain individual who follows it.

Although this is so, in order for a tradition to be important, it must be deeply personable, highly memorable, and ideally shared with those who we love. Traditions are usually instilled in us from a very young age. These traditions may be in the form of a Christmas morning, a Thanksgiving dinner, or simply just a family tradition that is unique to that specific family. All these events connect with something inside of us that make us look back fondly on them when we are older. Traditions define who we are and help to form our likes and dislikes, personal preferences, and characteristics.

All of these traits are formed by the cultural traditions that we have been brought up in. The people who are closest to us generally shape our traditions because they have the greatest influence over our lives. The other thing about traditions is that they are highly memorable. This is because of the young age that we experience them and also because of the people who help to form them. These people are usually our family members because they are all that we have when we are young. Memorable traditions can be either good or bad; some traditions cause us to react negatively whenever we come across something similar in the future.

A negative experience of a tradition may cause us to shy away from it in the future. For example, going to church is a strong tradition in some families. If we had a bad experience of attending church when we were younger, then we are more likely to react negatively to the idea of attending church once we are adults. Finally, traditions are ideally shared with those who we love because it reaffirms the importance and significance of them. If we participate in traditions with our loved ones, then we are more likely to feel comfortable while doing them.

This will ultimately lead to the continuation of a tradition even once we are no longer with those who we love most. An example of this could be a yearly reunion between two older parents and their adult kids. Once the parents pass away, the remaining family members, the children in this instance, would most likely continue to meet regularly because the tradition would be natural to them. I feel that traditions are an important part of our upbringing because they help to form how we think about the world and also how we choose to act in it.

There is no tradition that is greater than another; each tradition has value to the person who believes and follows it. Even as this is the case, traditions have to be deeply personable, highly memorable, and shared with our loved ones for a particular tradition to remain important and relevant in our lives.

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Definition Essay

Definition Essay - Writing Guide, Examples and Tips

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Published on: Oct 9, 2020

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Many students struggle with writing definition essays due to a lack of clarity and precision in their explanations.

This obstructs them from effectively conveying the essence of the terms or concepts they are tasked with defining. Consequently, the essays may lack coherence, leaving readers confused and preventing them from grasping the intended meaning.

But don’t worry!

In this guide, we will delve into effective techniques and step-by-step approaches to help students craft an engaging definition essay.

Continue reading to learn the correct formation of a definition essay. 

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What is a Definition Essay?

Just as the name suggests, a definition essay defines and explains a term or a concept. Unlike a narrative essay, the purpose of writing this essay is only to inform the readers.

Writing this essay type can be deceivingly tricky. Some terms, concepts, and objects have concrete definitions when explained. In contrast others are solely based on the writer’s understanding and point of view.

A definition essay requires a writer to use different approaches when discussing a term. These approaches are the following:

• Denotation - It is when you provide a literal or academic definition of the term.
• Connotation - It is when the writer provides an implied meaning or definition of the term.
• Enumeration - For this approach, a list is employed to define a term or a concept.
• Analogy - It is a technique in which something is defined by implementing a comparison.
• Negation - It is when you define a term by stating what it is not.

A single or combination of approaches can be used in the essay. 

Definition Essay Types

There are several types of definition essays that you may be asked to write, depending on the purpose and scope of the assignment. 

In this section, we will discuss some of the most common types of definition essays.

Descriptive Definition Essay 

This type of essay provides a detailed description of a term or concept, emphasizing its key features and characteristics. 

The goal of a descriptive definition essay is to help readers understand the term or concept in a more profound way.

Stipulative Definition Essay 

In a stipulative definition essay, the writer provides a unique definition of a term or concept. This type of essay is often used in academic settings to define a term in a particular field of study. 

The goal of a stipulative definition essay is to provide a precise and clear definition that is specific to the context of the essay.

Analytical Definition Essay 

This compare and contrast essay type involves analyzing a term or concept in-depth. Breaking it down into its component parts, and examining how they relate to each other. 

The goal of an analytical definition essay is to provide a more nuanced and detailed understanding of the term or concept being discussed.

Persuasive Definition Essay 

A persuasive definition essay is an argumentative essay that aims to persuade readers to accept a particular definition of a term or concept.

The writer presents their argument for the definition and uses evidence and examples to support their position.

Explanatory Definition Essay 

An explanatory definition essay is a type of expository essay . It aims to explain a complex term or concept in a way that is easy to understand for the reader. 

The writer breaks down the term or concept into simpler parts and provides examples and analogies to help readers understand it better.

Extended Definition Essay 

An extended definition essay goes beyond the definition of a word or concept and provides a more in-depth analysis and explanation. 

The goal of an extended definition essay is to provide a comprehensive understanding of a term, concept, or idea. This includes its history, origins, and cultural significance. 

How to Write a Definition Essay?

Writing a definition essay is simple if you know the correct procedure. This essay, like all the other formal pieces of documents, requires substantial planning and effective execution.

The following are the steps involved in writing a definition essay effectively:

Instead of choosing a term that has a concrete definition available, choose a word that is complicated . Complex expressions have abstract concepts that require a writer to explore deeper. Moreover, make sure that different people perceive the term selected differently. 

Once you have a word to draft your definition essay for, read the dictionary. These academic definitions are important as you can use them to compare your understanding with the official concept.

Drafting a definition essay is about stating the dictionary meaning and your explanation of the concept. So the writer needs to have some information about the term.

In addition to this, when exploring the term, make sure to check the term’s origin. The history of the word can make you discuss it in a better way.

Coming up with an exciting title for your essay is important. The essay topic will be the first thing that your readers will witness, so it should be catchy.

Creatively draft an essay topic that reflects meaning. In addition to this, the usage of the term in the title should be correctly done. The readers should get an idea of what the essay is about and what to expect from the document.

Now that you have a topic in hand, it is time to gather some relevant information. A definition essay is more than a mere explanation of the term. It represents the writer’s perception of the chosen term and the topic.

So having only personal opinions will not be enough to defend your point. Deeply research and gather information by consulting credible sources.

The gathered information needs to be organized to be understandable. The raw data needs to be arranged to give a structure to the content.

Here's a generic outline for a definition essay:

Are you searching for an in-depth guide on crafting a well-structured definition essay?Check out this definition essay outline blog!

6. Write the First Draft

Drafting each section correctly is a daunting task. Understanding what or what not to include in these sections requires a writer to choose wisely.

The start of your essay matters a lot. If it is on point and attractive, the readers will want to read the text. As the first part of the essay is the introduction , it is considered the first impression of your essay.

To write your definition essay introduction effectively, include the following information:

• Start your essay with a catchy hook statement that is related to the topic and the term chosen.
• State the generally known definition of the term. If the word chosen has multiple interpretations, select the most common one.
• Provide background information precisely. Determine the origin of the term and other relevant information.
• Shed light on the other unconventional concepts and definitions related to the term.
• Decide on the side or stance you want to pick in your essay and develop a thesis statement .

After briefly introducing the topic, fully explain the concept in the body section . Provide all the details and evidence that will support the thesis statement. To draft this section professionally, add the following information:

• A detailed explanation of the history of the term.
• Analysis of the dictionary meaning and usage of the term.
• A comparison and reflection of personal understanding and the researched data on the concept.

Once all the details are shared, give closure to your discussion. The last paragraph of the definition essay is the conclusion . The writer provides insight into the topic as a conclusion.

The concluding paragraphs include the following material:

• Summary of the important points.
• Restated thesis statement.
• A final verdict on the topic.

7. Proofread and Edit

Although the writing process ends with the concluding paragraph, there is an additional step. It is important to proofread the essay once you are done writing. Proofread and revise your document a couple of times to make sure everything is perfect.

Before submitting your assignment, make edits, and fix all mistakes and errors.

If you want to learn more about how to write a definition essay, here is a video guide for you!

Definition Essay Structure 

The structure of a definition essay is similar to that of any other academic essay. It should consist of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 

However, the focus of a definition essay is on defining and explaining a particular term or concept. 

In this section, we will discuss the structure of a definition essay in detail.

Introduction 

Get the idea of writing an introduction for a definition essay with this example:

Body Paragraphs

Here is an example of how to craft your definition essay body paragraph:

Types of the Term/Concept 

If applicable, the writer may want to include a section that discusses the different types or categories of the term or concept being defined. 

This section should explain the similarities and differences between the types, using examples and anecdotes to illustrate the points.

Examples of the Term/Concept in Action 

The writer should also include real-life examples of the term or concept being defined in action. 

This will help the reader better understand the term or concept in context and how it is used in everyday life.

Conclusion 

This example will help you writing a conclusion fo you essay:

Definition Essay Examples

It is important to go through some examples and samples before writing an essay. This is to understand the writing process and structure of the assigned task well.

Following are some examples of definition essays to give our students a better idea of the concept. 

Understanding the Definition Essay

Definition Essay Example

Definition Essay About Friendship

Definition Essay About Love

Family Definition Essay

Success Definition Essay

Beauty Definition Essay

Definition Essay Topics

Selecting the right topic is challenging for other essay types. However, picking a suitable theme for a definition essay is equally tricky yet important. Pick an interesting subject to ensure maximum readership.

If you are facing writer’s block, here is a list of some great definition essay topics for your help. Choose from the list below and draft a compelling essay.

• Authenticity
• Sustainability
• Mindfulness

Here are some more extended definition essay topics:

• Social media addiction
• Ethical implications of gene editing
• Personalized learning in the digital age
• Ecosystem services
• Cultural assimilation versus cultural preservation
• Sustainable fashion
• Gender equality in the workplace
• Financial literacy and its impact on personal finance
• Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence
• Welfare state and social safety nets

Need more topics? Check out this definition essay topics blog!

Definition Essay Writing Tips

Knowing the correct writing procedure is not enough if you are not aware of the essay’s small technicalities. To help students write a definition essay effortlessly, expert writers of CollegeEssay.org have gathered some simple tips.

These easy tips will make your assignment writing phase easy.

• Choose an exciting yet informative topic for your essay.
• When selecting the word, concept, or term for your essay, make sure you have the knowledge.
• When consulting a dictionary for the definition, provide proper referencing as there are many choices available.
• To make the essay informative and credible, always provide the origin and history of the term.
• Highlight different meanings and interpretations of the term.
• Discuss the transitions and evolution in the meaning of the term in any.
• Provide your perspective and point of view on the chosen term.

Following these tips will guarantee you better grades in your academics.

By following the step-by-step approach explained in this guide, you will acquire the skills to craft an outstanding essay. 

Struggling with the thought, " write my college essay for m e"? Look no further.

Our dedicated definition essay writing service is here to craft the perfect essay that meets your academic needs.

For an extra edge, explore our AI essay writer , a tool designed to refine your essays to perfection. 

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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Traditional Family, Its Definition and Future Essay

Why is it difficult to be critical (ie., think critically, not be antagonistic) of the concept of the traditional family.

It is really difficult to be critical of the concept of the traditional family. Trying to consider this point of view it is crucial to check the notion of the traditional family and compare and contrast it with other particular definitions of family. However, searching for reliable data, the conclusion may be drawn that there is no particularly strong definition of the notion of the traditional family as well as there is no one specific definition of the family either.

Coming out of the conclusion that the word tradition is connected with history, it is better to check the history of the family and then try to be critical of the traditional family. It is obvious that many people refer to traditional family as to the union of people who love each other, but it is not so, as a family has always been considered as the economic or political instrument and during many centuries family did not have any connection with love feelings and was an instrument of focusing power.

Therefore, when people dwell upon the importance of the traditional family, they usually have a different understanding of this notion. Thinking about the devotion to each other, the low rate (or absolute absence) of divorces, and the respect to the family as a too sacred institution, many people forget that traditional family in the historic consideration of the notion is a sort of a contract when two people were united for financial or political consideration and advantages. Thus, one of the reasons why it is difficult to dwell upon the idea of the traditional family is the absence of the concrete definition of the notions of family and the traditional family .

Moreover, dwelling upon the concept of the traditional family, the idea of children should not be avoided. Thus, about 40-50 years ago it was a norm to have 6-7 children. Nowadays, not many people want to have that number of children. Thus, considering the notion of the traditional family from this perspective, it is also important to understand that criticizing the concept of traditional family from this perspective, people are to have the considerations of those who believe in and want to have the traditional family.

Modern realms are different. The roles of many men and women have changed. It is a norm to see a working woman and a man who stays at home and takes care of the household. Thus, it is difficult to remain critical of the concept of traditional family because modern people live in absolutely different conditions and do not have an opportunity to imagine themselves in other conditions to criticize the notion from its original perspective.

Should traditional families be the goal? Why or why not?

Traditional families should not be the goal as if people would try to remember the history and would try to search for the real consideration of the traditional families, they would understand that there is no particular definition of the traditional family and if to consider the notion of the traditional family from the historic perspective, the family has always been used as the substitution of the contract. People are to set the goal of love as the basis of the family.

The family should become a sacred institution that should be intimate and only for two people. Those who want to set a goal to have a traditional family should remember that a traditional family is a family based on the contract conditions (financial or political) where a woman stays at home and brings up about 7-10 children. The modern situation, especially in the cities, is as follows, both men and women work and when it comes to children, they hardly have one to make sure that their family is full.

The situation has changed, women do not want to stay at home and cope with children. They want to have their careers, they want to grow and be successful in business. Thus, the roles have shifted and more and more men want children and to have them, they usually agree to stay at home until it is necessary. Considering the problem of whether the traditional families should be a goal or not, the answer is not as in this case there is no place for love and women are restricted from house responsibilities. The consideration of the men and women as equal in their social roles makes it impossible to set the goals of the traditional family and there is no need to do it.

People should live in the modern world. Everything changes and people are to accept these changes. There is no need to live in the past as we do not use candles for lightening the rooms in the evening and we do not wash our clothes in the rivers. People are to understand that many changes have occurred and those who have accepted most of them should think about how to make sure that all of the changes considered and follow those changes.

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IvyPanda. (2021, January 28). Traditional Family, Its Definition and Future. https://ivypanda.com/essays/traditional-family-its-definition-and-future/

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What is Good Friday? What the holy day means for Christians around the world

Christians around the world observe Good Friday two days before Easter, but what is it, and why do they commemorate the holy day?

The holiday is part of Holy Week, which leads up to Easter Sunday. Palm Sunday kicks off the series of Christian holy days that commemorate the Crucifixion and celebrate Jesus Christ's resurrection.

"Good Friday has been, for centuries now, the heart of the Christian message because it is through the death of Jesus Christ that Christians believe that we have been forgiven of our sins," Daniel Alvarez, an associate teaching professor of religious studies at Florida International University, told USA TODAY.

What is Holy Saturday? What the day before Easter means for Christians around the world

When is Good Friday?

Good Friday is always the Friday before Easter. It's the second-to-last day of Holy Week.

In 2024, Good Friday will fall on March 29.

What is Good Friday?

Good Friday is the day Christ was sacrificed on the cross. According to Britannica , it is a day for "sorrow, penance, and fasting."

"Good Friday is part of something else," Gabriel Radle, an assistant professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame, previously told USA TODAY. "It's its own thing, but it's also part of something bigger."

Are Good Friday and Passover related?

Alvarez says that Good Friday is directly related to the Jewish holiday, Passover.

Passover , or Pesach, is a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt.

"The whole Christian idea of atoning for sin, that Jesus is our atonement, is strictly derived from the Jewish Passover tradition," said Alvarez.

How is that possible?

According to the professor, Passover celebrates the day the "Angel of Death" passed over the homes of Israelites who were enslaved by the Egyptians. He said that the Bible states when the exodus happened, families were told to paint their doors with lamb's blood so that God would spare the lives of their firstborn sons.

Alvarez says this is why Christians call Jesus the "lamb of God." He adds that the symbolism of the "blood of the lamb" ties the two stories together and is why Christians believe God sacrificed his firstborn son. Because, through his blood, humanity is protected from the "wrath of a righteous God that cannot tolerate sin."

He adds that the stories of the exodus and the Crucifixion not only further tie the stories together but also emphasize just how powerful the sacrifice of the firstborn and the shedding of blood are in religion.

"Jesus is the firstborn, so the whole idea of the death of the firstborn is crucial," said Alvarez.

He adds that the sacrifice of the firstborn, specifically a firstborn son, comes from an ancient and "primitive" idea that the sacrifice unleashes "tremendous power that is able to fend off any kind of force, including the wrath of God."

Why Is Good Friday so somber?

Alavarez says people might think this holiday is more depressing or sad than others because of how Catholics commemorate the Crucifixion.

"I think [it's] to a level that some people might think is morbid," said Alvarez.

He said Catholics not only meditate on Jesus' death, but primarily focus on the suffering he faced in the events that led up to his Crucifixion. That's what makes it such a mournful day for people.

But, the professor says that Jesus' suffering in crucial to Christianity as a whole.

"The suffering of Christ is central to the four Gospels," said Alvarez. "Everything else is incidental."

According to the professor, statues that use blood to emphasize the way Jesus and Catholic saints suffered is very common in Spanish and Hispanic Countries, but not as prevalent in American churches.

Do you fast on Good Friday?

Father Dustin Dought, the executive director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, previously told USA TODAY that Good Friday and Ash Wednesday are the two days in the year that Roman Catholics are obliged to fast.

"This practice is a way of emptying ourselves so that we can be filled with God," said Dought.

What do you eat on Good Friday?

Many Catholics do not eat meat on any Friday during Lent. Anything with flesh is off-limits. Dought says this practice is to honor the way Jesus sacrificed his flesh on Good Friday.

Meat that is off limits includes:

Instead, many Catholics will eat fish. According to the Marine Stewardship Council , this is allowed because fish is considered to be a different type of flesh.

Contributing: Jordan Mendoza ; USA TODAY

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The Amplifier

Beyond beyoncé: black women of country, past and present.

Listen to songs from Rhiannon Giddens, Rissi Palmer, Linda Martell and more.

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By Lindsay Zoladz

Dear listeners,

Today marks the release of Beyoncé ’s eighth solo album, “Cowboy Carter,” a sprawling celebration of country music and a saucy rebuttal to its most close-minded gatekeepers. Its previously released singles, the haunting “16 Carriages” and the rowdy No. 1 hit “Texas Hold ’Em,” reignited conversations about the erasure of Black voices in country music history and the industry-enforced barriers that still make it difficult for nonwhite artists to break through.

Although “Cowboy Carter” is quite collaborative, Beyoncé is such a marquee star that all eyes and ears tend to focus on her. So for today’s playlist, I wanted to widen that focus and spotlight some other Black women who have made great country music in their own varied styles.

This playlist features early pioneers like the guitarist Elizabeth Cotten and the groundbreaking country star Linda Martell (who makes two appearances on “Cowboy Carter”). It also features Tina Turner and the Pointer Sisters , artists better known for their work in other genres who made impassioned country crossovers that deserve revisiting. Plus, I’ve included younger upstarts like Reyna Roberts , Brittney Spencer and Mickey Guyton , who represent the sonic diversity and genre hybridity of this current generation.

This playlist is a sampler rather than a comprehensive tour of Black women’s many contributions to country past and present, and I’m sure it’s missing some names (including Tanner Adell , who appears on “Cowboy Carter” and who Jon Caramanica already recommended to Amplifier readers earlier this month ). But I hope it’s a start in expanding your view of country music beyond even the vast scope of “Cowboy Carter.”

Let this be a reminder that Beyoncé is not a Lone Ranger. Other Black cowgirls have done the hard work of clearing the path, and there are plenty more riding alongside her, too.

Show the world you’re a country girl,

Listen along while you read.

1. linda martell: “bad case of the blues”.

For Black women in country music, Linda Martell’s trailblazing career is both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. In 1969, she became the first Black woman to play the Grand Ole Opry and, a year later, released the hit album “Color Me Country.” But Martell’s stardom was unfortunately short-lived; the industry cruelly rejected her and “Color Me Country” would be her only solo release. This charismatically sung opening track shows why that’s such a shame. Martell’s voice here is rich and nimble — plus, she’s a heck of a yodeler. ▶ Listen on Spotify , Apple Music or YouTube

2. Rhiannon Giddens: “Don’t Let It Trouble Your Mind”

In 2015, a year after her acclaimed string band the Carolina Chocolate Drops went on hiatus, Rhiannon Giddens released her debut solo album, “Tomorrow Is My Turn,” which featured her reimagining country and folk tunes by some of her favorite female artists. One highlight is this soulful rendition of a plucky 1969 Dolly Parton deep cut, out of which Giddens draws both melancholy and resilience: “I had rather live alone than live with someone who doesn’t love me.”

▶ Listen on Spotify , Apple Music or YouTube

3. Tina Turner: “Bayou Song”

Released in 1974, Tina Turner’s first solo album announced its cowgirl bona fides (and its radiant sensuality) right there in the title: “Tina Turns the Country On!” The album featured Turner’s reworkings of twangy tunes like Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night” and Bob Dylan’s “Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You,” plus this smoldering original, penned for Turner by the songwriter P.J. Morse.

4. Rissi Palmer: “Country Girl”

“It’s a state of mind, no matter where you’re from,” Rissi Palmer sings on this upbeat 2007 single, which playfully called for a more inclusive definition of “country.” The video received significant airplay on CMT, and when “Country Girl” hit Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, Palmer became the first Black woman to appear on the chart in 20 years.

▶ Listen on Apple Music or YouTube

5. The Pointer Sisters: “Fairytale”

Here’s an underappreciated gem from the Pointer Sisters — yep, those Pointer Sisters. Known more for their pop and R&B hits, the girl group made the occasional foray into country music, though never more successfully than on this lushly arranged 1974 single. “Fairytale” hit No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and took home a Grammy for best country vocal performance by a duo or group, making the Pointer Sisters the first — and still the only — Black women to win a Grammy in a country category.

6. Valerie June: “Workin’ Woman Blues”

The Tennessee-born singer-songwriter Valerie June calls her unclassifiably unique blend of musical stylings “organic moonshine roots music.” You can hear its singular magic on this bluesy single from her 2013 album “Pushin’ Against a Stone,” which celebrates the undersung work done by generations of women.

7. Brittney Spencer: “I Got Time”

Brittney Spencer , 35, worked as a vocal coach and a background singer before she finally broke through as a solo artist several years ago. This January she released her debut full-length album, the humorously named “My Stupid Life.” This laid-back track showcases her eclectic sound, which pulls from pop, country and gospel. (Spencer’s earliest singing experience came in her church choir.) “You wanna drive, I wanna ride,” she sings with a flirty wink. “It’s summertime, I got time today.”

8. Reyna Roberts: “Louisiana”

Reyna Roberts, 26, is another Black country artist with a recent debut: Her swaggering “Bad Girl Bible, Vol. 1” came out in September. This stomping single puts Roberts’s own stamp on the outlaw tradition and tells the tale of a wandering Southern woman: “Just like smoke, she’s here and gone.”

9. Elizabeth Cotten: “Wilson Rag”

Born in North Carolina in 1893, the left-handed guitarist, banjo player and Black musical innovator Elizabeth Cotten, also known as Libba, pioneered a popular style of country fingerpicking that can be heard on this brief instrumental tune. In her 60s, while working as a maid for the folk musician and folklorist Mike Seeger’s family, Cotten picked up the guitar again after decades of not playing. Seeger recorded some of her work, which would soon influence the folk revival movement of the 1960s.

10. Mickey Guyton: “Black Like Me”

The country artist Mickey Guyton put out this searing piano ballad in June 2020, during the protests sparked by George Floyd’s murder . Displaying the power of her soaring voice, “Black Like Me” is a direct challenge to the one-dimensional patriotism espoused by some white country artists: “If you think we live in the land of the free,” Guyton sings, “you should try to be Black like me.” When the song was nominated for best country solo performance at the 2021 Grammys, Guyton became the first Black woman to receive a nod in that category.

11. Rissi Palmer and Miko Marks: “Still Here”

Released last March, in conjunction with a PBS documentary of the same name, this fiery anthem finds Palmer — who hosts the podcast and Apple Music show Color Me Country — and her peer Miko Marks joining forces to assert both the realities of their struggle and their undiminished defiance as Black women in country music: “Made it through the mud and tears, here, tried to make me disappear.” But, as they declare, in unison and through gritted teeth, “I’m still here.”

The Amplifier Playlist

“Beyond Beyoncé: Black Women of Country, Past and Present” track list Track 1: Linda Martell, “Bad Case of the Blues” Track 2: Rhiannon Giddens, “Don’t Let It Trouble Your Mind” Track 3: Tina Turner, “Bayou Song” Track 4: Rissi Palmer, “Country Girl” Track 5: The Pointer Sisters, “Fairytale” Track 6: Valerie June, “Workin’ Woman Blues” Track 7: Brittney Spencer, “I Got Time” Track 8: Reyna Roberts, “Louisiana” Track 9: Elizabeth Cotten, “Wilson Rag” Track 10: Mickey Guyton, “Black Like Me” Track 11: Rissi Palmer and Miko Marks, “Still Here”

Bonus Tracks

If you want to go deeper into the history of Black artists’ contributions to country music, I highly, highly recommend Francesca T. Royster ’s recent book “Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions,” and her even more recent appearance on the podcast Pop Pantheon .

Plus, you know we’ve got plenty of coverage of “Cowboy Carter,” including a who’s who of the credits , an explanation of its connection to opera (!), a deep dive into Beyoncé’s relationship to country radio, a critic’s notebook placing it in the context of Beyoncé’s career, a history of Black artists going country and more. Yee-haw!