 |
It's All Relative ...
by Katherine Flynn, 11.26.02
Holidays can be a time to learn more about your family and culture. |
|
"My dad hangs a piñata — a hollow papier-mâché animal filled with candy — from the ceiling for my birthday. Then I have to wear a blindfold and try to hit the piñata until it breaks. Everyone grabs the candy when it falls out."
— Maria, 13, whose dad is from Mexico
Birthdays and holidays can be the best times of the year. But aside from the usual perks — friends, presents, cake — holidays can be a time to learn more about your family and culture, through the celebrations you've shared over the years. In today's ever-changing world, we often focus on the present and the future. But looking back is important, too.
Your family represents your roots, and knowing about it can help to ground you, give you a sense of where you come from, and an understanding of why you do certain things. There's no telling what you might discover when you start digging, and it's up to you which elements you incorporate into your life.
We Are Family ...
Many families immigrate to North America, bringing their cultures and traditions with them. Learning about your heritage is a great way to honor and preserve that culture.
The easiest way to become more aware of your family's culture is simply to observe it. Do you eat different foods than your friends do? Do certain holidays bring special activities or dishes? You might not realize it until you think about it, but your family might have some great traditions that you've been enjoying all your life!
"For Chinese New Year we clean the whole house (to sweep away last year's dirt and negative aspects). We wear new clothes and new shoes, and eat specially prepared foods."
— Donna, 16, who was born in Hong Kong
Digging Deeper
Have you ever actually sat down and talked to your parents? You might find that when chores, siblings, and school aren't at issue, your parents can be pretty cool, interesting people. Ask them questions about their lives. Where did they grow up? How was it different from your life? How was it similar? Here are some other facts to get from the folks or other relatives:
- Where did you go to school and what was it like?
- Who were your idols when you were growing up?
- What did you do for fun?
- What were your favorite foods?
- What was your greatest achievement? Disappointment?
- What did you want to be when you grew up?
You can jot down interesting details, or bring along a tape recorder. Look at old photographs and make copies. Before you know it, you'll have enough material to start piecing together a family tree or even a book about your history.
Kicking It Up a Notch...
If you want to go beyond learning more about your culture and family, you can assign yourself a little (fun) history homework. Visit the library or public record offices to dig further about the origins of your family. It helps to have a goal — explain to staff that you're researching a family tree, and they'll advise you on how and where to look.
Family trees are charts that record every family member. You can start with yourself and work backwards through your parents' generation, then your grandparents. It's almost like creating your own puzzle!
Not long ago, many generations lived under the same roof. Nowadays, people move away, get divorced, and remarry — which makes preserving family stories and heritage tougher than ever! Look into it and see what you come up with — maybe you can start a whole new family tradition of your own! |
|
Printable Version
Email this page