The theatre is built on traditions, some with historical significance, some arising from the formal nature of the profession, others because of its prevailing sense of nobility, though several of those origins are unknown, hazy and speculative. But customs, rituals and ceremony (even superstitions) have been a dignified component of the stage throughout its lengthy history.
There are some old professions that thrive on tradition, ritual and ceremony – the law, for instance, and academia. Academia, however, has been weaker than law in allowing much of its pomp and ceremony to go under pressure of modernity and diminishing patience in ancient majesty. Law has jettisoned a few things in daily practice, but has held on to traditions on which the profession thrives, sometimes with good reason. The legal profession seems to relish its traditions which are sometimes inseparable from its practice.
The theatre is similar in this respect and even today, ancient traditions and rituals abound on and around the
