(Family Features) Every family, regardless of origin, has a story. Learning about that history can lead to finding your own story and the powerful meaning of heritage.
From discovering your ethnicity to connecting with distant relatives, a resource like Ancestry can help people find their story in their DNA, inspiring new passions and fueling their journeys to discovery.
If you’re looking for more ways to bring your family’s story to life, consider these ideas.
Talk with Relatives
Undoubtedly, one of the easiest ways to learn more about your ancestors and family heritage is by simply talking with your relatives. Grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and others who originally hail from other parts of the world can offer a wealth of information about their native country and send you down the right path toward learning more about your family’s history. Ask questions about your native country, the types of food, traditions, games, music and holidays celebrated, for example.
Create a Custom Playlist
The diverse range of music from around the world is as eclectic as each person’s DNA – anywhere from Nigerian Afrobeat to French chanson. Rooted in discovery, a first-of-its-kind partnership between Ancestry and Spotify allows users to diversify their listening habits by creating custom playlists based on their DNA results at ancestry.com/spotify. If you don’t have your DNA results yet, you can still connect to the music streaming service to explore the diversity in your listening history and discover new music from around the world at ancestrymusicaldna.withspotify.com.
Learn a Native Language
Learning a new language can allow you to communicate easier with family and provide you a deeper connection to your cultural heritage. Take advantage of any relatives who speak the language to complement your solo linguistic endeavor.
Cook Up Cultural Cuisine
One way to connect generations past and present is through food, typically by passing down traditional cuisines or specific recipes. Whether celebrating a cultural holiday or brushing up your cooking skills, use family recipes – or a cookbook dedicated to the cuisine of your ancestors – as a learning experience that also allows you to reconnect with your roots.
Visit Your Native Land
There are few better ways to connect with your family’s heritage than by exploring places that were once inhabited by your ancestors. Start by researching the basics, such as where the country is located, what the flag looks like, what the native language is, and then plan your trip. Try to schedule your visit during an event that can help you learn even more about your heritage. Of course, a trip may be out of the budget but there are often festivals dedicated to specific countries or regions that can provide educational opportunities closer to home.
While these are just a few ways to connect with your family’s cultural roots, the journey of discovering who you are and where you come from can be nearly never-ending, giving you the opportunity to dig as deep into your family history as you desire.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (grandmother and grandson listening to music)
