A Journey into the Past: The Emotional Voyage of DNA Testing with iGENEA and the Vega Lineage
Family name Vega
Taking a DNA test from iGENEA brought an emotional cascade of anticipation, surprise and pride as I uncovered the lineage of the Vega name, revealing unexpected historical connections and deepening the bond with my ancestors.
Using iGENEA to dive into my family history and trace the origins of the Vega surname was an adventure filled with anticipation, anxiety, surprise, and ultimately, pride. Excitement bubbled within me as I swabbed my cheek and dispatched the DNA kit knowing that I was soon to embark on a profound journey into my past.
The weeks of waiting for the results were filled with a blend of anticipation and apprehension. Will I be surprised to find out my identity aligns with entirely different ethnicities? Is there a long-lost cousin out there? Will there be any revelations about my family history that I am totally unaware of? These questions rumbled through my mind daily -- a mixture of exhilarating and nerve-wracking thoughts.
Receiving the DNA results was the climax of this emotional roller coaster. In the company of my wife and kids, I opened the email from iGENEA. The discovery that the Vega lineage has deep Sephardic Jewish roots was totally unexpected. We learned that "Vega" comes from old Spanish, meaning "meadow". This name was given to areas in Spain that were inhabited by Jews during the 15th century, a stark revelation that stirred a variety of emotions.
It was a lot to process knowing we belong to a lineage persecuted during the Spanish Inquisition. While there was a sense of grief for those ancestors who endured such hardships, it was balanced with pride in their resilience and strength. Discovering this vein of history flowing directly to our lineage was profound, imparting a deep sense of connection with those distant ancestors.
I spent the following weeks pouring over the wealth of information provided by iGENEA, learning about migration patterns of my ancestors, health predispositions, and even potential relatives. This DNA test has forever altered the way I feel about my family and our surname, Vega. It has heightened a sense of belonging, deepened the connection I feel with my ancestors and fostered a new comprehension of my genetic blueprint. The Vega name now carries a sense of pride and resilience for me and my family.
Q. Vega