As you say, in The Invention of Tradition, each of the authors argue that contemporary traditions, which often appear ancient in origin, were actually a product of modern invention. These “inventions” are not without meaning; they become intensely symbolic and important for those who take part, but they also serve to underpin existing power structures.

I would suggest reading the book - as gives several clear examples of this process in many different geographic areas. I'll give a brief overview here:

Hugh Trevor Roper examines the construction of the Highland Scot during the 18th century in Scotland. He examines kilts, tartans, and the supposedly ancient writings of the Highlanders to show that the “Highlander identity” emerged at a particular historical moment, after the conclusion of the 1745 rebellion, as a response to the historical realities of union with England and the destruction of the clans. I've answered more on this subject here

In England, David Cannadine explores the use of ritual and ceremony in establishing meaning for participants and practitioners of monarchal tradition. Prior to the 17th century, the author argues, the monarchy's traditions were seen as quaint or disorganized. With the emergence of stylized ritual, such as elaborate coronations, maces, jewels, and so on, the monarchy was able to cement a place at the bedrock of English culture.

Chapters Five and Six examine the invention of tradition in the colonial context; India is juxtaposed with African colonial life in that Indian invented traditions drew upon preceding cultural practice. In Africa, colonial overseers established their own traditions to cement the loyalty of the largely heterogeneous population; the African population, though, constructed their own traditions as well. Finally, Hobsbawm draws the construction of traditions in Europe together in an historical-materialist analysis to describe how these traditions perform a function of capitalist development. They are not solely hegemonic; he also examines labour parades, May Day celebrations, and the red flag.

«The Invention of Tradition» is a collection of essays published by Hobsbawm but written by a plenty of random folks from all over the world mostly about their own countries. Hobsbawm's book on that topic is «nations and nationalism».

I'm not familiar with the concept – how are invented traditions distinguished from traditions in general (which, by definition, are artificial)?