Family Traditions

In this essay I am asking you to write on a family and/or cultural tradition in which either you, a family member, or a friend particpates.  The following points should be covered in your essay:
1) I would like you to explain this tradition in detail.
2) What is the origin of this particular tradition?  You will probably need to do a bit of research on this.  Using online material is fine as long as you cite the information.
3) What significance or spiritual meaning does it have for the person involved?
4) Was this tradition learned from elders in the family, or did the person learn about it outside of the family unit?

I want this to be a genuine family/cultural tradition about which you are writing.  ‘Family Pizza Night’ or ‘Board Game Night’ are things which do not fall into this category.
The essay is to be 400-500 words written to college standards.  Name and date should appear at the top of your paper, and there should be an emphasis on correct spelling and grammar.  The paper is to be sent to me as a WORD document attached to an e-mail and is due by end-of-day May 8th.