Even though our discussion on family lineage was short, it got me thinking about my own family. I know my general heritage but I've never really noticed if it influenced my family traditions and rituals in any way. My mom's family is German; my great grandma came over on a boat by herself when she was 18. My dad's family is Irish, although I don't know much of the story. When I ask either of my parents, they would usually tell me the same stories.
When I was thinking about it a little more, I realized that every Sunday since I was little, my dad has listened to Thistle and Shamrock on NPR at noon. I grew up listening and loving the music; I even have some of it on my ipod! I have a bit more trouble with my German heritage because my mom is the only one left around here in her family. However, there are those certain German foods we have on holidays that we all love; and when my parents were still married they lived in Germany for a while so they have great memories to pass down.
My family doesn't trace our lines of descent through specifically my mom or dad, I feel like I have an even understanding of both sides of the family. I think it is important to know where you came from and understand where your traditions stem from. It makes them more meaningful and easier to pass on to your children.
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