From Anglo-Saxon Ancestors to Viking Roots: A Reshaped Perspective on Family Identity Post iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Birch
Diving into one's genetic heritage is like embarking on a personal odyssey towards the deeper terrains of one's identity. My recent iGENEA DNA test prompted a massive revelation and led to a profound shift in my perspective towards my surname, Birch, and my family history. Hitherto, we were enveloped in the English narrative, but iGENEA unveiled our genetic connections with Vikings - an unexpected yet thrilling treasure that has significantly reshaped the way I perceive my family identity and the world.
The revelation that came with my iGENEA DNA test results have fundamentally reshaped my understanding of my surname, Birch, and by extension, my family identity. Over the years, the name Birch was regarded as a symbol of a strong English heritage that was deeply embedded within our family's threads. The tales of our ancestors tied the roots of our family tree strongly with Anglo-Saxon origins.
My iGENEA DNA test results presented an entirely different picture, showing unexpected genetic connections with the Scandinavian geographies. According to these results, my matriarchal lineage shows a significant genetic influence from the Vikings, interweaving a completely different cultural thread into our family history. This revelation was unexpected yet thrilling, presenting me with a chance to embrace the adventurous and exploratory spirit embodied within the Viking heritage.
The results were not just data points for me. It felt like a complex unfolding story, showing evidence of migrations, encounters, and probably love stories that went beyond geographical boundaries and cultural divides. It was emotionally stirring as well, as it showed that our origins were more diverse, widespread, and profound than we had ever imagined.
The birch tree, from where our surname originated, is found both in England and Scandinavia. Now, as I look at the birch trees, I see them as symbols of my newfound, yet ancient, Scandinavian heritage - resilient, brave, and intrepid. Considering this new narrative, the Birch surname now feels like a bridge that links our present with a past that is richer and more nuanced than I ever knew - a past that comprises not just the English soil but also the Scandinavian seas.
This revelation has indeed actualized a new sphere of thinking within me. I see my family identity not as a fixed entity but an evolving narrative that is multifaceted and deeply interwoven with a broader human saga. I take immense pride in my Viking lineage, and it has helped me appreciate the power of diversity, elasticity, and the timeless human urge to keep moving, exploring, and crosspollinating cultures and genes.
V. Birch