Family tree

Technically, a family tree is a diagram which shows the ancestors of any given person. It resembles an inverted pyramid or a tree with many branches. Each branch symbolizes a different part of the family, and each node represents an ancestor. The concept of a family tree is an ancient practice and one of the earliest methods of genetic traits analysis (people noticed very early that some families have blue eyes, other have curly hair, yet third have long noses).

​

However, the key significance of a family is cultural. The Family is the basic thread in the social fabric and one of the key institutions in every society. Yes, our ancestors pass their biological traits to us (nature), but our families are also the most important agent of our socialization in the wider society and the initial stage of our education (nurture). Our families influence and shape our personal identities. Maybe the most important feature of every family is its own micro culture which consists both of true facts about the ancestors, and also of the myths, family lore, alternative, hidden and tacit histories about the lives and the endeavors of our forebearers. Families preserve and perpetuate their micro-cultures by constantly gathering to celebrate births, marriages, other communal events, important dates, and holidays.

 

I was always fascinated to listen to stories about my ancestors, but I finally decided to record their histories when I got the assignment to do my personal project. So, I combined my scientific interest, biology, with my most interesting hobby, history. To discover my biological roots, I order an Ancestry and Traits composition tests from the famous biotech startup “23 & Me”. I also did the ancient methods of drawing my family tree and to preserve my family lore for eternity I wrote down the stories of my most illustrious ancestors.