Cracking the Genetic Code with iGENEA: A Personal Reflection on Surname, Identity, and Heritage
Family name Wägener
Procuring my iGENEA DNA test results ushered in a profound shift in my understanding of personal identity and heritage. The revelation of my surname's background, Wägener, possibly tracing its roots back to wagon makers in the past, has provided additional layers to my family's story, enhancing my sense of self, values and belonging.
After receiving the results of my iGENEA DNA test, I was confronted with an intricate tapestry of genetic information that has invariably shifted my perception of personal identity and heritage. Discovering my surnames background, Wägener, which may possibly trace back to a lineage of wagon makers, carvers, or drivers, has imbued me with a sense of belonging and history. It felt akin to locating a lost piece of a grand puzzle – disorientating yet enlightening.
The word 'Wägener', possessing a rich German heritage, carries not merely my family's name, but hidden tales, lives lived, hardships endured, and resilience demonstrated. This knowledge made me realize that identity is so much more than a name or a history; it is an amalgam of genetic inheritance, cultural practices, familial bonds and a profound connection with the past.
This newfound genetic information coalesced with my cultural, social, and personal experiences to form an enhanced understanding of my identity, rooting me more profoundly in the human family tree. By connecting me to my distant ancestors, the iGENEA DNA test has deepened my sympathy for those who came before and heightened my responsibility towards those who will follow.
In tracing my lineage back to possibly Germanic origins, realizing that Wägener might mean 'wagon maker', it enabled me to appreciate the skilled craftsmanship, diligence, and ingenuity inherent in my ancestors. These traits are qualities I value and endeavour to exemplify in my day-to-day life. As such, the meaning of Wägener transformed from being merely a surname to representing the embodiment of these values.
The iGENEA DNA results didn't just provide data; they created a transition in perspective that encouraged me to dive deeper into my heritage, appreciate its complexities and sharpened my sense of self. Undoubtedly, the experience has given me a broader sense of belonging, a richer understanding of identity and the transformative power of appreciating one's roots.
B. Wägener