Human beings have an inherent desire to know where they come from. We want to know what makes us who we are. We hope that by delving into ours pasts we will be given some insight into our present and future. There are dozens of sites like Ancestry.com and 23andme dedicated to tracing our ancestry and geneaology.
A.J. Jacobs wrote in his book, It's All Relative: Adventures Up and Down the World's Family Tree, “We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as causes and return to us as results.” Then he embarked on a journey to create the world's largest family reunion.
At Disneyland, tucked away in a quiet corner of Fantasyland, was a shop called Castle Heraldry that, for decades, offered a connection to the past by way of family crests and coats of arms. You simply gave your name and were shown the symbols that made up your family's ancient history.
Who Do You Think You Are? and Finding Your Roots are popular shows dedicated to finding out more about your family line. In art classes around the world, kids design family trees. Cherished recipes are passed down from one generation to the next every day.
Today, consider your past. Consider the history of your family. How much do you really know? Take the time to get know where you come from and see what you learn. You might end up with a few stories, a piece of art to hang on the wall, or even a long-lost family member!