DNA Testing at iGENEA - An Unexpected Celtic Connection with the Oliphant Clan
Family name Oliphant
Discovering unexpected Celtic roots through a DNA test at iGENEA, I explored my familial connection with the Oliphant clan. The result provided new insights about my ancestors, bringing a tectonic shift in my self-understanding and sense of identity.
Being a sucker for family history and migratory patterns, I went through DNA testing at iGENEA with a burning anticipation to uncover my genealogical roots from the Oliphant clan. The results blew a fresh new perspective into my knowledge of my ancestors named Oliphant, provoking a surprising reconsideration of my self-understanding.
Hailing from a family that often proclaimed its Scandinavian backgrounds with an old family crest asserting our roots in the Oliphant clan, I'd grown up believing that our connections were primarily with the Nordic countries. However, the DNA testing at iGENEA gradually unfolded a complex tapestry of our roots extending towards central Europe and in particular, close ties with the Celtic tribes.
This new information provided an exciting counterpoint to our long-held tales of Viking invasions and Scandinavian conquests, throwing in Celtic warriors and Druid traditions into our ancestral mix. It graphically represented the journeys, perhaps undertook centuries ago, starting from the Scottish Highlands, moving to Scandinavia, and then tracing them back to ancient Celtic centre in Central Europe.
This unexpected twist in the family tale brought a seismic shift in my perception of self. It bridged the fragmented narrative of my lineage and connected me to the broader human story – crystallising my belief in the rich diversity of our past and how it shapes us. An undeniable sense of interconnection with humanity dawned on me as I was led to rethink about the widely spread cultural and ethnic ties I now belonged to – a melting pot of Celtic and Viking characteristics.
The result changed the way I perceive myself, shaping me into a more global citizen, with historical ties to multiple unique societies, each rich in cultural heritage and tradition. It also reinforced a critical understanding: that identity is not static or boxed into socio-cultural constructs handed down generations, but a fluid phenomenon leaping through time and regions. It was nothing short of an enlightening roller-coaster ride that redefined my self-understanding.
F. Oliphant