Each of the stories begin with a description of a beautiful summer day. Both stories also contain a gathering of townspeople. Although Le Guin's environment seems more festive, all the folks in both stories are coming together for what seems to be enjoyable, even celebratory occasions. However, I believe the major similarity lies in the fact that these many pleasant details create a facade within each story. The reader is then left ill-prepared when the shocking, brutally violent, ritualistic traditions are exposed.
Children are an important focus in both stories.
I see these children being used to symbolize perceived states of happiness in both stories. I also believe they are vital necessities in each story because they are taught and expected to carry traditions into the future. The fact that both authors include references to farming may be due to the association between farming and tradition. I know many people who believe that farming is a way of life that is handed down from generation to generation, it is very much a tradition to them. The most obvious reason for these references is that the rituals performed in both stories are suppose to have an effect on harvest.