Tomb Sweepers for Hire

Think of how traditions can have both a commercial value as well as an erosion of its intrinsic value. The commercialisation of traditions/festivals can also be compared to Valentines' Day and Christmas, particularly the latter, where Santa Claus seems to be worshipped more than Jesus Christ, who was the original reasons behind the celebrations. Think also of other festivals which appear to be celebrated to draw the tourists rather than because the people want to celebrate it.
Note also the trend of 'outsourcing' nowadays which has its roots in the corporate world to cut cost and time. This trend has now eaten into our daily life which is slowing demanding the same efficiency that dominates corporate life. But when traditions and relationships are 'outsourced', it makes a mockery of the value of such relationships. Eg: the article below, the hiring of surrogate mothers, the hiring of maids to take care of the child, the hiring of a mate to bring home during Chinese New Year to show one's family, the recourse to a match-making agency to find a potential life partner, Japan's Valentine's Day Gift-shopping service for the busy......Time appears to be a problem here and we are willing to pay to let others do it for us, i.e. outsource. But some would argue that when it comes to relationships between people, no substitute or outsourcing will work as it requires our investment(or sacrifice) in time to show our sincerity.

Sample Qn: How important is it for people in your country to retain a sense of tradition? (Cambridge 2010)

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