Shaking the Family Tree: Unraveling Unexpected Ancestry with iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Rees
The iGENEA DNA test unveiled surprising discoveries about my ancestry, altering my self-understanding completely. Rather than Gaels, I found roots in Scotland and a rich Celtic connection. This revelation invited deeper self-reflection and the exploration of a multi-dimensional identity.
Ever since I was a child, family narratives rooted in rich Welsh tradition fascinated me. My maiden name, Rees, was a constant reminder of this heritage and sparked my curiosity. Recently, I decided to explore my genealogy further using the iGENEA DNA test kit. The results were surprising - they altered my entire understanding of who I am and where I come from.
The report outlined a fascinating story that took me towards Scottish ancestry, with the Rees genetic line tracing back to Scotland, not Wales, as I’d always believed. I discovered, to my surprise, that Rees, although considered a traditional Welsh name, had origins in the Lowlands of Scotland. It was indeed a stark revelation– the identity I had always found solace in, based on shared narratives and traditions, was only a part of my ancestry.
More intriguing, my DNA showed a genetic linkage to the Celtic Iron Age period, reflecting an era when much of Scotland, Wales, and Ireland were celts. Discovering this historical link has made me question aspects of identity shaped through generations - by stories, shared family values, and shared cultural practices.
Moreover, the reevaluation of my past led to a shift in my self-understanding. While I had always identified as Welsh based on familial claims that ended up being half-truths, the reality was more complex. Now, understanding my Scottish ancestry, I realize that identities are not pure, nor simple but layered and multifaceted. This comprehension of roots has been more of a journey than a destination.
In light of the revelations from iGENEA, I am coming to terms with a renewed, expanded sense of self. Ancestry is, at the end of the day, a guiding compass. Yet, the results also reminded me of how interconnected we all are. I’ve learned that I have more than one anchor to the past, and I am the culmination of a complex web of numerous ancestors across different cultures and societies.
L. Rees