There are moments when you may feel agitated to know your family history. This begs the question ‘Is it important to know your ancestry?’ The answer is yes, it’s wise to start searching for this vital record and fill in your family tree. Without saying much, here are some of the reasons why family history is crucial.
1. Reminds You of Your Roots
Did you grow up speaking more than one language? This is the case with most people. One thing to note is that the languages you speak were passed on to you by your relatives. Your relatives got the languages from their parents or grandparents. Understanding the roots of the many languages you speak is enough reason why you ought to study your family history.
2. Helps Establish Connections
Did your ancestors participate in historical events? These are some of the questions that see most people gain an interest in the family tree. Human beings value attachment, connection, and belonging. Therefore, by learning more about your past, you help establish a more significant relationship with your ancestors.
3. Medical History
Have you ever walked into a hospital, and the doctor asks about your family’s medical history? The answer is probably yes, as this is one question that your doctor will have to ask one day in your life. Some medical conditions are hereditary. Establishing your family history is, therefore, an essential activity as you get to learn your history.
By learning the past, you get to know about any medical conditions that run in your family. This is important as you will be aware of the risks you have of developing the problem. With an understanding of your family’s medical history, you can help reduce the chances of transmitting the illness in the first place.
Your health is essential, and that’s why most people feel the urge to trace their ancestry, even if it means spending a fortune. Digging your roots isn’t a straightforward task. It’s an undertaking that requires professionalism for effective results. The effective way to trace your background is through the help of a pro genealogist. These are usually individuals whose specialty is researching people’s ancestry.
Today, there are many genealogists near you, and all that is needed of you is to pick one that suits your budget, especially. You can check the genealogist’s website to have an idea of how much the services are likely to cost. Like any other profession, genealogists charge differently. Some charge per project. Others charge hourly while others charge as the work progresses. This doesn’t matter much as you are needed to go with a pro who understands the job, and who offers a schedule that meets your budget. You can ask around for referrals to find a competent expert who can do the job correctly.
4. Helps Preserve the Family Traditions
When it comes to families and ancestry, one crucial thing to observe is the tradition. For example, there is one traditional meal that you enjoy eating. The recipe was probably passed on from your grandparents. The food culture, especially, is one thing that you wouldn’t wish faded away. By studying your family tree, you help keep those fantastic traditions alive. With an understanding of the cultures, it’s easy to pass on these traditions to the coming generations in the family. Learn more here on how can knowing your ancestors can benefit you!
5. Essential for Your Emotional and Social Health
Many people will start asking how one’s ancestry, emotional, and social health can be related. Well, the funny part is that they are. It’s crucial to study your family history for the sake of your emotional and social health. There are studies to back that up. Not long ago, a study revealed that once you understand your roots, you help boost your emotional health.
Individuals who understand their family history are said to be better than those who know nothing about either their past or present. Experts often say that emotions tie closely to how we identify ourselves. Therefore, a reason why you should learn about your ancestors is that it makes you feel connected to others.
Concerning social life, a similar study was performed, now targeting teenagers. This study revealed that teenagers who understand their family histories more usually have more persuasive social skills as opposed to their peers who didn’t. For obvious reasons, most teenagers often struggle with feelings to fit in. So, health experts always say that enlightening them on family history is a great way to combat the problem.
6. To Have Something to Pass On to the Coming Generations
How does it feel sitting down and listening to stories of the old folks in the family? It feels fulfilling getting to know your ancestry, especially from the perspective of someone who has been there. It will feel even much better passing that history for the coming generations. Therefore, one of the reasons why it’s important to know your family tree is so that you can have something to share with your kids when they ask the usual questions. Like you, the young ones will at one time be curious about their ancestry. By knowing where you come from, you will be well-placed to share the information with them precisely.
7. Encourages Compassion
As said earlier, one of the reasons why you should know your family history is so that you can share it with your kids. This kind of sharing is vital for the young ones as they get to learn that their ancestors were immigrants. With such an understanding, they are more likely to feel compassion towards their schoolmates who are recent immigrants. Also, children who have an idea of their ancestor’s place of origin may feel for the people who live there, especially during hard times. This kind of connection is vital when it comes to establishing a common ground or showing compassion during tough times.
The question about knowing your family history is often asked in hospitals. The doctor may ask such questions for a medical history. That’s one primary reason why you should trace your ancestry. Explained in this article are other crucial reasons why it’s essential to follow up on your roots. Read through the entire piece to have a general understanding of why you should follow up on the family tree.
