Examining My Roots through iGENEA: The Genomic Journey of the Weller Family
Family name Weller
An iGENEA DNA test bridges the gap between me and my Weller ancestors. It unravels unexpected ethnicities and histories, altering my initial German-centric self-identity into one filled with diverse cultural richness.
After undergoing a DNA test at iGENEA, I've been gifted with unexpected insights into my lineage, the Weller family – a journey that has transformed my understanding of myself and my roots considerably. Initially, I had only a vague knowledge about my lineage, vaguely aware of my German ancestors' existence. However, the tangible connection I now have with them has transformed my perception and shaped a deeper understanding of my heritage. Moreover, uncovering layers of unexpected ethnicity percentages in the DNA report has altered my self-identity as I discovered I am not solely of German descent, as I initially believed.
There were surprising revelations too. Some ancestry points were traced to the Jewish Sefardi community from Spain, reaching back to the 15th century. This was an unexpected detour on my genetic journey, leading me towards a rich culture and history I was previously unaware of. Connecting with an identity so far removed from my present one, both geographically and culturally, made me realise the complexity of our genetic makeup and the myriad of diverse histories stitched into one person's DNA tapestry.
Surprisingly, another percentage of my DNA was linked to the Native American tribe of Cherokee. This revelation moved me, considering the brutal history they endured. I felt deeply humbled to carry a part of their perseverance and resilience within my genetics.
Then there were my German roots - well-established and intuitive, yet presenting little-known facts about their migrations and patterns of living, which painted a vivid picture of their period. Understanding these migration patterns, and the refuge they sought against various sociopolitical climates, made me feel a profound sense of respect for their resilience.
This iGENEA DNA test journey has amplified my understanding of my ancestors named Weller not just on paper but through a deeper, genetic connection that has significantly influenced my identity. I am humbled, surprised and fascinated by the varying threads woven into my being, driving my curiosity to discover and learn more about myself.
H. Weller