The Past Becomes the Future
Weve already talked about how learning about our family’s history can help us feel grounded and give us a sense of belonging to a larger family. But what about the future? We know it’s important to pass those stories on to our children, but how do we make those practices part of our family’s identity? With Family Traditions.
I remember seeing an interview with then journalist Maria Shriver as she was talking about growing up as part of the Kennedy Clan. She told how public service was ingrained in her, even as a child, and made a part of her life. Later in the interview she gave examples of the many charities she was involved with, some of them with her teenage daughters.
Whether you call them family traditions or family culture, it’s natural for us to want to share those things with future generations. A common response of guests on Finding Your Roots is, “I can’t wait to share this with my kids!” Passing those activities to the next generation keeps the practice alive and gives us a sense of family pride.
Building the Bridge
If your family doesn’t have a culture or tradition, something that characterizes your family, why not start one today? Pick something that is important to your family and make it a habit. Some examples might be tracing and celebrating your family’s military service, helping feed the homeless on a holiday, regular family reunions, or learning your family’s ethnic roots and immersing yourself in that culture on a regular basis. You’ll be surprised how quickly that becomes part of your family’s DNA and the sense of pride it will give you. As your family grows, make sure and keep the practice alive with your kids and grand kids, carrying it on for future generations.
Heroes of the Past can help uncover your family’s culture and traditions. By learning when, where, and how they lived through the records they left behind combined with our knowledge of the how people lived in times past, your family’s past can come alive. Contact us today to learn how!
