The unveiling of York: Unraveling my Ancestral Origins with iGENEA
Family name York
By undergoing DNA testing at iGENEA, I was able to uncover surprising familial connections and gain a broader understanding of my ancestry, specifically my York lineage. The experience significantly expanded my self-perception and deepened my connection to my roots.
After availing DNA testing at iGENEA, my understanding of my ancestry was radically transformed. The experience shed new lights on my family history, particularly those hailing from the York family line. The DNA test revealed unexpected insights about the extent and complexity of my heritage, so much that it altered how I perceive and understand myself. Despite knowing that my forebears took the York name from the ancient city of York in England, the test results connected me to unexpected roots back to Celtic tribes and the Roman Empire itself.
The most astonishing revelation was the affinity for Celtic origins, primarily related to the Brigantes tribe. The Brigantes were the largest Celtic tribe in what we now know as Northern England at the time of Roman Britain. They were known for their distinctive culture and immense resistance to the Roman invasion. Unearthing this background gave me a sense of profound respect and understanding for the resilience and independence that I always regarded as part of my personal character.
Furthermore, I learned that the Yorks had descended from the Romans who settled in Britain during the Roman Empire. This affiliation was exciting, enhancing my sense of historical identity, particularly my innate leanings towards law, orderliness, and grandeur, traits fondly associated with the Romans.
This exercise also confirmed my Scandinavian lineage, unearthing connections to Viking raiders that settled in the city of York during the 9th and 10th centuries. It explained my inborn wanderlust and love for exploring different cultures and places.
The DNA test immensely expanded my self-understanding. I realized that behind ‘York,’ it’s not just an English lineage, but a blend of cultures and histories - Celtic, Roman, and Scandinavian, that continue to live through me and influence my behaviors, tendencies, and preferences. This journey of self-discovery has undoubtedly forged a stronger bond with my ancestry and heritage. I am more than just my present; I am an amalgamation of the past, my ancestors' struggles, their conquests, and the paths they tread, which collectively form the essence of my existence.
L. York