A Journey Through My Ancestral Roots: Where Were My Great-Grandparents Born?
With a diverse and complex family history, understanding where my great-grandparents were born has always been a fascinating journey. The stories and details of their lives are deeply embedded in the culture and heritage that shaped me.
Division on My Father's Side: The English
On my father's side, all four of my great-grandparents were born in England. The land of the United Kingdom has a rich history, and my ancestors immersed in its cultural fabric has contributed significantly to who I am today. England's history is not only evident in its monumental structures but also in its traditions, food, and music.
My Mother's Side: A Global Mosaic
On my mother's side, a global mosaic of backgrounds comprises my family tree. Two great-grandparents were born in Scotland, while the other two were born in Canada. The term 'Scotch-Canadians' accurately describes the Scottish heritage deeply woven into the fabric of our Canadian upbringing.
Canadian Heritage
My childhood was filled with the sounds and flavors of Canada. Living in Saskatchewan, we often listened to Celtic musicians during the Christmas season, both from the isles and Canada itself. This cultural tapestry of the Scottish and Celtic heritage wasn't just heard in music but also tasted in various dumplings and savored with beet-filled meals. The polka music that filled our homes back then is a strong reminder of the lively and joyful culture that defined our grandfather's trilingual ability.
The Carpathian Mountains: A Slavic Heritage
Tracing back further, on my father's side, my ancestors came from the Carpathian Mountains, once a part of the Russian and Austro-Hungarian Empires. Today, this region includes Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia, all rich in Slavic culture. Growing up with a deep understanding of Slavic traditions, we had a special affection for mushroom picking and the preparation of a range of dumplings.
Language and Traditions
Language was a crucial part of our cultural identity. My grandfather, being trilingual, spoke Polish as a third language, along with his native language. The strong emphasis on language preservation ensured that cultural roots remained firmly intact.
A Diverse Lineage: The United States and the Pacific
My ancestral roots also span the United States, with six of my great-grandparents born here. Four of them were born in upstate New York, adding to the mix of immigrant and Native American cultures in the region. Interestingly, one great-grandparent was born in California and another in Ohio. This diversity of American birthplaces reflects the rich tapestry of immigration that has shaped the United States over the years.
Philippine Ancestry
Beyond the European and American influences, my family also traces back to the Philippines. Two of my great-grandparents were born in the Philippines, one from Northwestern Luzon (Ilokano) and the other from the island of Negros Occidental (Ilonggo). This highlights a significant piece of our ancestors' history and the early cultural exchanges between Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Genetic Insights: A Diverse Ancestry
To delve deeper into our family history, I underwent a 23andMe DNA test. The results were enlightening, confirming a range of ancestries. My family heritage includes not just European roots but also trace amounts of Native American and African ancestry. Notably, one of my great-great-grandparents on my father's side was likely a German or Swiss immigrant: Lidia Abiah Olendorf. The others, my great-grandparents, were all born in upstate New York, solidifying this area as a significant ancestral homeland.
Unknown Origins: My Mother's Side and Filipino Ancestry
Finding information about my mother's side beyond my great-grandparents presents a challenge. I can only speculate that at least one Irish immigrant was part of the lineage. Similarly, details about my great-great-grandparents on my Filipino side remain a mystery. This unknown aspect adds a layer of intrigue to our family history, continuously fueling my curiosity to uncover more.
Conclusion: A Multilayered Story of Home
Despite the many layers and layers of complexity in my family's history, there are certain constants. One of these constant threads is the concept of home. For me, it is the land of Upstate New York, where I was born and where I consider my home. Here, amidst the rich cultural heritage, we are both rooted and global, a reflection of the multifaceted journeys of our ancestors.
Understanding and celebrating this rich tapestry of ancestry is not just an intellectual pursuit but a profound connection to our roots. It is a journey of discovery that continues to shape who we are today.