A Roller-Coaster Journey through My iGENEA DNA Test: The Unexpected Twists in the Bärthel Lineage
Family name Bärthel
Embarking on the journey of exploring my family's past through an iGENEA DNA test was an experience filled with surprises and unexpected turns. The test provided a brand new perspective on my Bärthel lineage, illuminating unknown links to Bavaria and Sweden, and restricting the anticipated Jewish heritage.
As I unwrapped the results of my iGENEA DNA test, my heart pounded with a blend of anticipation and apprehension. As it turned out, this adventure was filled with curious twists and turns, forever altering my understanding of my Bärthel lineage.
Firstly, my paternal lineage demonstrated a strikingly strong connection with the region of Bavaria, less commonly known as Altbayern. This came as a surprise, given that my family had always claimed to be of Northern German heritage. Delving deeper into these findings, it appears that the name Bärthel is relatively widespread in Bavaria, differing from my initial understanding that it was a North German surname. How and when my ancestors migrated from Bavaria to the North remains a mystery, and an aspect of history I'm eager to unravel.
Secondly, equally intriguing was the discovery that my maternal lineage hails from Scandinavia, specifically, Sweden. This resulted in a double-take. As far as I was aware, there was no known Swedish ancestry within my family. Yet, the DNA test clearly traced my mitochondrial DNA back to this distant region. This unusual finding stimulated multiple questions about the journeys and experiences of my female ancestors.
The third unexpected revelation was the absence of any definitive signature of Jewish ancestry in my genetic makeup. Given that the name Bärthel has occasionally been associated with Jewish communities in Germany, I had half-expected some traces of Jewish heritage. However, my DNA seemed to be predominantly of Germanic origin, challenging yet another long-held belief about my family history.
On a personal note, I quite enjoyed the surprising roller coaster ride that was my iGENEA DNA test. The unexpected twists and turns were thrilling, providing a fresh perspective on my own identity and heritage. Nevertheless, it also served as a reminder that family stories and accounts are not always accurate, adding to the allure of genealogical quests.
L. Bärthel