Writers are greatly involved in the process of passing tradition from one generation to another.
Literary meaning can be perceived through the traditions that have been around since the first texts were written. Writers do not limit themselves to work with local topics but consider all of traditions as their own and use them freely. Each text is not only derived from the writer's background and circumstances, but also from the reader's skills as well as the perception in which they receive it.
Before written literature and long before literary traditions worked out, there's "oral tradition" first. Oral tradition and oral lore (traditional knowledge and beliefs) have no written language. They are verbally transmitted in speech or song, keeping a culture alive without relying on writing.
A good example to show the importance of oral tradition can be drawn back before the gospels were composed. In the absence of written text, Jesus' first followers continued his memory by telling stories of his life, death and teachings.
The evolution from oral tradition to written form communication was a great achievement in communication. Writing is another utilization of a different tool for information distribution and storage. Get 15 Practical Tips to Becoming a Better Writer from Lifehack.