"The Lottery", by Shirley Jackson: How is tradition conveyed in a culture?

In many cultures, there are traditions that are followed without question by its people. Some traditions as harsh as being served up as a sacrifice to appease the gods, as illustrated in the work of Shirley Jackson's "the lottery". To an outsider this may seem harsh and inconceivable, but to those referred to in this story it was completely common and somewhat understandable. Although these occurrences were understandable, it was only due to a lack …

…to the culture referred to in this story, but seems highly unorthodox. Perhaps in a very distant future, other cultures could look upon ours and think the same way about our beliefs and traditions. Tradition can be conveyed as a code by which a person or persons live by to better their life and get by on a day to day basis. However, there will never be a tradition that is completely understood or praised.