Curiosity, Culture, and the Science of Tradition

Growing up in India, surrounded by an intricate web of cultural practices and traditions, I rarely stopped to ask, Why? These customs were simply a part of life, unquestioned and sometimes overlooked, thanks to my non-conservative, open-minded parents who allowed me the freedom to follow—or not follow—rituals without consequence. But as the years have passed, I find myself circling back to these traditions, curious not just about their origins but also about their potential hidden wisdom. Could there be more to them than meets the eye?

Take fasting, for example. As a Jain, fasting took many forms: eating only once or twice a day, avoiding food after sunset, or subsisting on boiled water cooled to room temperature. Back then, it felt like a chore—or an excuse to dream about the reward of my favorite food that I could get to eat the next day. But today, fasting has gained scientific recognition for its health benefits, from intermittent fasting to circadian rhythm-based eating. Suddenly, those "rules" I once ignored or reluctantly followed, make a lot of sense: giving your body a rest, aligning your eating patterns with the sun, and cultivating mindfulness around food.

And then there's Anekantavada, a core Jain principle that teaches us to respect and learn from multiple viewpoints. Imagine the world if we all embraced this philosophy: where disagreements became opportunities for growth rather than division. It’s a principle that feels almost tailor-made for today’s polarized world. How fascinating that it was codified centuries ago!

Even the smaller customs—removing shoes before entering the house, for instance—are now finding resonance in modern science. It’s not just about keeping dirt out; it’s about energy. Spaces hold energy, and stepping into a home should feel like stepping into a sanctuary, free of negativity. Similarly, the intense cleaning before Diwali might seem like an arduous ritual, but isn’t it just a clever way to declutter, refresh, and reset—not just your home, but your mind?

But what truly intrigues me are the traditions I used to brush off as oppressive or outdated. For instance, in many Indian families, elders make most decisions for the younger generation, or even when everyone is asked, the weight of elders is heavier generally (Dont know if it is for the experience, or out of respect or..). Is this really about curtailing freedom, or is it rooted in protecting children from the cognitive overload we now know comes with decision-making? Could the elders’ guidance be a way to shield younger minds from the weight of big and small choices, allowing them to conserve mental energy for growth and learning? 

Or consider the age-old practice of arranged marriages. For the longest time, it seemed like an outdated construct. But now, I wonder—was it an early form of matchmaking that extended beyond two individuals? Families and cultures were considered to ensure long-term compatibility, not just emotional but communal. And perhaps the involvement of family in these unions fostered a sense of belonging and shared responsibility, something we know contributes to mental well-being.

Even the peculiar tradition of having a baby’s name chosen by their paternal aunt based on astrological charts makes me pause. At first glance, it seems like a random relinquishing of parental rights. But could it also be a symbol of communal living? A way to weave the family closer together, sharing the weight and joy of raising a child?

What fascinates me most is the thread that ties all of these together: a sense of interconnectedness. Whether it’s fasting, cleaning, decision-making, or naming a baby, so many of these traditions seem designed to strengthen the bonds between individuals, families, and the universe itself.

Of course, not every custom holds up under scrutiny. Some might simply be relics of a bygone era, their original intent long lost. But isn’t it worth asking why? What do these rituals mean? Are they based on sound reasoning, or are we blindly following them because “it’s always been done this way”?

I’ll leave you with a question: What traditions or customs from your own life have you found yourself questioning? What new perspectives might you uncover if you looked at them with curiosity instead of skepticism? Who knows—you might just find a little science hiding behind the superstition.