Traditions are something that are passed down from generation to generation. Tradition becomes a part of who we are as a society. Shirley Jackson makes fun of how society blindly follows certain traditions. Characteristics of Jackson's story create a parallel with Catholicism, emphasizing our fear of change but our ability to manipulate what we expect from our traditions and the foundation of Catholicism's belief in the innocence of children . Shirley Jackson's short story "The Lottery" created a clear connection to Catholicism, encouraging us to open our eyes and question our blind faith in traditions. The Catholic religion has been practiced for centuries through the Crusades and at each Easter celebration. Shirley Jackson uses this long-standing tradition. tradition to link its characters to the Catholic religion, because as bizarre as this tradition may seem, it stands the test of time. Through her characters, Shirley Jackson shows their reluctance to abandon the lottery, demonstrating society's fear of change. This fear of change manifests itself primarily through Old Man Warner. He has seen over seventy-seven lotteries and believes that without one everything would be different. When someone says that other villages have abandoned the lottery, Old Man Warner exclaims that there is "only trouble in there, you bunch of young fools" (Jackson 368). By calling them young fools, Old Man Warner blames them for changing something that has always been. For a character to only know the lottery their entire life, changing something as important as this tradition could be disastrous for their civilization. The Catholic religion has been active for centuries and transmitted through the family. When Catholicism is practiced in a family, children begin to go to church...... middle of paper ......h, religion and the lottery. Religion and the lottery are two concepts in our society and Jackson's fictional society that are simply followed blindly. Shirley Jackson wrote this story to force society to question why it follows such traditions. These traditions exist because they have always existed. Blind faith is exactly what all of its characters do in “The Lottery” and what Catholics have in the face of Jesus. The “Lottery” perhaps for more abundant harvests in June (Jackson 368). Whereas the Catholic religion is for a higher faith and purpose. This is how Shirley Jackson takes the path of society that forces us to open our eyes. She wants us to understand the parallels, do something positive, and learn from what's happening. Things may not have the same brutal ending, but if they have no rhyme or reason, what is our reason to believe.