Truthfully, I do not think I can give a full answer to this prompt. The only knowledge I have of my family's history in coming to the United States is that one of my great great grandmothers was Scot-Irish, and came over on a boat. I do not know my extended family well, beyond a few aunts and cousins. I do not think I can recall any family lore relating to my older extended family. On the other hand, maybe it is a new kind of culture of some to not find out or care about their extended family’s past. I remember many people in the class said they did not know anything about how their families came to America (those who were born in America, at least). This is only speculation.
I am not sure if any of our traditions are carried over from our past generations, either. I remember some old Christmas ornaments that were presumably owned by my grandparents, but I think they have been lost to time. We still have our own traditions- my mom makes a flan, we decorate the tree together, etc.- but none are really linked to our immigrant ancestors. It is a strange disconnect from other cultures that seem to put more emphasis on family and family history, ensuring its continued importance in later generations.
To be honest, though, I don’t think I would want to meet the rest of my family; the ones who died before or soon after I was born. According to my brother they’re absolute lunatics with a side of alcoholism. So maybe it is better that I didn’t meet or get to meet the rest of my relatives.
Hmmmm. interesting post. I think you are right, though. Talking to younger generations, like you say, you guys seem more interested in the future and not the past, especially in the United States. I wonder why that is. An interesting project.
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