Our ancestors are the ones from whom we are descendants, most commonly known as those who lived before you in your family lineage. Everyone has heard of a family tree or made one, but ancestors go beyond those you know.
Who are your ancestors?
The further we go back up our family lineage the more common our ancestors get, all the way up to a common ancestor named ”Eve.” All humans inherited their mitochondrial genome, a unique type of DNA passed down through the maternal line, from Eve.
The further we go back up our family lineage the more common our ancestors get, all the way up to a common ancestor named ”Eve.” All humans inherited their mitochondrial genome, a unique type of DNA passed down through the maternal line, from Eve.
I have spent (maybe too) much time researching my known ancestors, going back to the 1500s! Many digitalised church records were of great help, but in some cases, I couldn’t go beyond the parents of my grandparents. Depending on the resources available and sometimes the documentation of your family members you can go as far back as you want. Besides the biological family lineage, your family tree can also include adopted family and chosen family!
Sort of ancestors
Besides your known ancestors, the ones of which you know the names, you also have unknown ancestors (like Eve!). Everyone in your family lineage is referred to as Blood Ancestors.
Every country, region or land you live on has history. From those who fought in great battles or wars to the first person who lived on the land, or maybe even built it. Something meaningful happened everywhere. These influential people made something possible or changed the history in your area, these people can be referred to as Land Ancestors. Not directly related, but with an unforgettable role.
Lastly, and the most optional, are the people who mean something to you specifically: Founding or Symbolic Ancestors. This may be the first woman to graduate, as she opened the route for many others with an academic dream. A culturally important figure, activist, or inventor would fall under this category. Additionally, you could choose to include archetypes, for example, Carl Jung’s archetypes.
The names given to the 3 sorts of Ancestors aren’t law and can be adapted however you see fit.
Ancestor Veneration
Ancestor veneration is the act of honouring and remembering your ancestors, recognising their influence in the present day. One of the main reasons is the belief they are still spiritually connected, and can offer guidance, protection, wisdom and can aid in spirit communication.
Ancestor Veneration around the World
Ancestor veneration is a worldwide tradition, every culture has found its way to pay respect to those who passed. A famous example is the Dia dos Muertos, traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2. During the days of this Mexican tradition passed on family and friends are remembered, honoured, and given offerings in the form of toys for children, bottles of alcohol, trinkets or the known favourites of their passed-on loved ones. In the Western Christian festive ancestor veneration is celebrated on Allhallowtide as a ”time to remember the dead,” in China, they take part in ancestor worship to seek honour and respect from their ancestors with decorated altars. Lastly, in Pagan tradition, ancestor veneration is known in many ways, but according to the wheel of the year, the holiday Samhain (a Gaelic tradition) is known as the day(s) for Ancestor Veneration in particular.
Your Personal Ancestor Veneration
Within the Pagan sphere, there are still infinite ways to honour your ancestors, besides the many sorts of ancestors you might choose to venerate, how is another endless route. The two most important things are respect and comfort; always act respectfully but venerate in ways you feel comfortable.
The first step is deciding who to venerate, this could be as specific as a passed grandparent or as broad as all the ancestors of your family lineage for now. You can always decide to expand your veneration, don’t overwhelm yourself. When you have decided on who, we want to find out how. For this second step, we have to find out more about the ancestor, their culture and if possible personal favourites. Something like wine, beer, a type of liquor, fruit or small pastry are all great personal things to start with. If you want to find out the different ways you can venerate and the nitty-gritty of how to here is the link to my blog post diving into Ancestor Veneration.
Sources
Mitochondrial Eve
History of Ancestor Veneration: Dias dos Muertos, Allhallowtide, China
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