Some heritages have been around for a while. Others are invented to 
serve present needs. All heritages, to remain vigorous, require constant 
updating and upgrading.  A favorite example of the "invention  of 
tradition" is the actual history of the Scottish kilt--a relatively 
recent  (late 18th century) garment invented for Scots workers by an 
English Quaker industrialist. See the essay by Hugh Trevor-Roper in the 
book Invention of Tradition (essays in honor of Terrence Ranger). Sorry 
about the partial cite--I'm working on memory here.

Doug Deal

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