Tradition

In English writing we seldom speak of tradition, though we occasionally apply its name in deploring its absence. We can not refer to "the tradition" or to "a tradition". At most, wee employ the adjective in saying that the poetry of so-and-so is "traditional" or even "too traditional". Seldom, perhaps, does the word appear except in a phrase of censure. 

If otherwise, it is vaguely approbative, with the implication, as to the work approved, of some pleasing archaelogical reconstruction.