People becoming fascinated by their ancestry has grown, since TV shows like the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? (which can be boring or interesting, depending on the person and the story). And the Internet has now made it easier than ever (as long as you pay money) to find out information from a Census, to discover who your great-great-great grandparents were.
But of course many people grew up with step-parents or godparents or aunties or uncles or in foster homes or adoptive homes. Often through divorce but also through other relatives dying. Would they be upset if you become obsessed on tracing your family tree? And surely blood is not as important as who brings you up?
Some ancestors of Hitler had voluntary vasectomies as they were scared their children may carry the same genes. Do you think was right? Surely all babies are born good?
It’s interesting to know your roots, but we have to be careful it does not lead to narcissm. Often people are hoping to discover they were descended from someone important. But of course, most of us discover we were simply descended from simple good folk who worked as servants or farm labourers, like nearly everyone back in the day.
And surely becoming obsessed with bloodlines, just gives rise to silly laws like in the Monarchy, where a baby is born to ‘rule over us’ one day?
What is Ancestral Trauma?
There is something called ‘ancestral trauma’, which suggests that ‘the sins of the fathers’ can pass on to the ancestors. Like a Greek tragedy, things that happen in your life may well have happened in your blood relatives of old.
But less to do with Biblical prophecy, it’s more likely to do with DNA (their traumas can literally ‘give birth’ in their children). Which is why it’s good to practice self-care and inner healing, to try to break the link and build a better life.
Connecting with Relatives
Researching your family tree can also connect you with relatives that you did not know existed. Of course, this can be wonderful. Or not! What if you then get tied up with relatives you actually wished you had never found?
When he died, the singer Prince had dozens of ‘relatives’ all come out of the woodwork, claiming to be related to him, because he never left a Will.
And what if you discover that you were related to a serial killer or a Nazi? Would it then be better, if you had never known? Surely if you think it’s important that you are related to someone good, then the same would apply the other way?
How about just knowing that you were brought up by loving parents (hopefully) and leave it at that?
The Benefits of Family Tree Research
There are a few modern benefits. For instance, DNA testing means that you could know early on if you have a hereditary condition, so you are more likely to discover and treat this, before it becomes serious.
DNA has offered up many answers, that history could never find. Recently, it was discovered that Princess Anastasia (the one that always claimed she was alive, after the Russian massacre) had indeed died, as her bones (on DNA testing could only have been the sister of the other children) were tested in a US lab.
Of course, DNA has also been used to solve unsolved murders, and to prove custody (even of pets that have been lost/kidnapped and returned to their guardians).
Challenges of Family Tree Research
The ‘free’ ancestry sites’ are not really free, as you can find out a bit of info, then have to pay for all the other information. You will also hit dead ends and find gaps impossible to fill. Some people may not have completed their census (in Ireland, there was a big fire once, so many records are missing – and many people in England have Irish ancestors, especially in Liverpool).
Plus many people don’t want others bothering them. Privacy and respect for it is important.
A Customised Family ‘real’ Tree!
This family tree art print makes a smashing unique birthday idea for someone you love. Sure to be appreciated especially by the elders in your family, this is far more interesting to display than the usual boring family tree charts. This artist will take the information that you’ve received or uncovered, and then blend the names with your very own unique planet-friendly tree!
Truly a gift to last years and pass on, the family tree is printed onto FSC-certified paper. Sophie has made the originally illustration, then simply digitally adds the names, keeping this unique gift affordable for anyone to order.
In the example above, the grandparents are on the tree trunk, the children and grandchildren are in the tree itself, and canine family members are sniffing flowers! Printed locally.
Of course these are not real dogs, but just name illustrations. Know that on nature walks, many flowers (including all bulbs and indeed daisies) are not safe, so keep nosey noses away!
