A Journey into Ancestry: How an iGENEA DNA Test Recalibrated my Perspective on the 'Brauer' Surname and Family Identity
Family name Brauer
Learning about my true lineage through an iGENEA DNA test shifted my perspective on my family identity and surname, 'Brauer.' The surprise of discovering my strong Celtic roots opened a new page in my family's history, making me see beyond the perceived German connection of my surname and embrace a rich tapestry of ancient cultural influence.
Since the results of my iGENEA DNA test arrived, my outlook on my surname 'Brauer' and my family identity have transformed significantly. With the data in my hands, I now understand more about my ancestry which ultimately changes the essence of what I perceive to be my family heritage.
To my surprise, my DNA results point towards a strong Celtic lineage. This has utterly intrigued me, as I harbored the thought that my ancestors would have been entered on the sober pages of history under the sobriquet of strong, sturdy German craftsmen, defining our surname 'Brauer' – which means brewer in German.
However, the test suggested that my roots lead back to the Celts, a collection of tribes with origins in central Europe that shared similar language, religious beliefs, traditions, and culture. It's an unexpected revelation, fundamentally shifting my understanding of my family's narrative and the underpinnings of my identity.
Even though ‘Brauer’ is a German surname, my DNA doesn't solely tie me to Germany. My genetic material expresses the diverse journeys of my ancestors. The revelations from my iGENEA DNA test results have radically widened my horizons of self-conception and personal identity, enriching the story of my heritage that extends beyond the peripheries of my surname.
I find myself peering at maps of ancient Europe, delving into historical accounts of the Celts, and imagining how my Celtic ancestors might have lived. I feel a newfound kinship with the verdant landscapes of Ireland and the mist-shrouded highlands of Scotland. The DNA test has stitched a fresh narrative into the fabric of my family's story, turning the spotlight on a chapter of my history that was previously unknown.
This profound realization has sparked within me a deep sense of responsibility to pass on this newly discovered legacy to future generations. For me, understanding my Celtic roots is no longer a curiosity or whimsical quest, but an integral part of my identity that I take pride in. In honor of this newly discovered lineage, I now bear the name 'Brauer' with a refreshed sense of meaning and cultural richness.
V. Brauer