Exploring Ethnic Background: Traditions and Cultural Connections

Identity is a multifaceted concept influenced by various factors, including familial traditions, cultural practices, and historical roots. This exploration into personal ethnic background often sheds light on connections to diverse heritages and the ways in which traditions are upheld and celebrated within families.

Understanding Ethnic Background

Delving into one's ethnic background can be a thought-provoking endeavor, often prompting reflections on ancestral origins and inherited traditions. Take, for example, the experience of Stephanie Flowers, whose journey into exploring her ethnic roots was ignited by a class assignment.

Through researching the meaning of her last name, she discovered its Welsh origin, indicating a potential link to Great Britain.

Stephanie's revelations underscore the complexity of ethnic identity. As she learned from her readings on race and ethnic relations, ethnic background encompasses more than just ancestral lineage; it encapsulates the practice of cultural traditions affiliated with a specific subculture. While her surname might suggest English heritage to some, her family's customs tell a different tale.

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Familial Traditions and Cultural Affiliations

Stephanie Flowers grew up immersed in traditions that she identifies with her ethnic background. Notably, her family embraces Irish customs, vividly demonstrated through an annual grand St. Patrick's Day celebration. This festivity serves as an occasion for merrymaking, characterized by communal feasting and revelry.

Within the Irish cultural sphere, alcohol holds significance, and Stephanie's family participation in such celebrations forms an integral part of their ethnic connection. Notably, in Irish culture, the introduction of alcohol to children before the legal drinking age is commonplace, shaping attitudes toward responsible consumption as part of everyday life.

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Moreover, Stephanie acknowledges her ties to German ethnicity, recounting a cherished New Year's tradition of indulging in pork roast and sauerkraut. This customary meal symbolizes a wish for happiness and joy in the forthcoming year, reflecting the interconnectedness of culinary practices with cultural beliefs.

Diverse Cultural Influences and Identity

Living in the United States, Stephanie acknowledges the rich tapestry of cultural diversity that surrounds her. She recognizes the influence of various traditions acquired through friendships, enhancing her appreciation for different ethnic backgrounds. Her boyfriend's family, rooted in Catholicism, maintains their cultural identity through religious observances, linking back to their Irish heritage where Catholicism is deeply embedded.

Stephanie's cousin Rachel's household, with its Mexican heritage, underscores the significance of food as a unifying force, bringing family members together and fostering a sense of connection to their roots. Through the preparation and sharing of traditional Mexican dishes, Rachel's family honors their cultural heritage and strengthens familial bonds.

Stephanie's newfound interest in her family roots has sparked a desire for further exploration. She plans to delve deeper into her lineage, intending to conduct interviews with older family members and construct a family tree to unravel the mysteries of her ancestry.

Celebrating Identity and Cultural Pride

Embracing her Irish and German heritage, Stephanie intends to continue participating in cherished traditions like the St. Patrick's Day celebrations and savoring pork roast and sauerkraut. Moreover, she expresses profound gratitude for the opportunities and rights afforded to her as an American, acknowledging the importance of not taking these privileges for granted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exploring one's ethnic background illuminates the rich tapestry of cultural diversity and traditions that shape individual identities. Stephanie Flowers' journey exemplifies the interplay between familial customs, cultural affiliations, and the dynamic nature of identity. Through a deeper understanding of ancestral roots and the practice of inherited traditions, individuals foster a sense of connection to their heritage while embracing the cultural mosaic that defines them.

Updated: Dec 29, 2023
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Exploring Ethnic Background: Traditions and Cultural Connections. (2016, Dec 24). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/ethnic-background-st-patricks-day-essay

Exploring Ethnic Background: Traditions and Cultural Connections essay
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