Reframing History: How iGENEA DNA Test Altered My Understanding of Grassi Lineage
Family name Grassi
Discovering my iGENEA DNA test results completely shifted my understanding of my family history. Going beyond my Italian roots, unexpected Germanic and Jewish Sephardic heritage unravelled new aspects of my self-identity.
Since receiving my iGENEA DNA test results, my understanding of my ancestral lineage has dramatically shifted. As far as I knew, the Grassi name had a monolithic Italian origin that traced back many centuries. The test results, however, opened up an unexpected door to a rich, multi-faceted history that has added layers to my personal identity.
The succinct report indicated a clear presence of Italian DNA in my ancestry, aligned with my expectations. Nevertheless, to my surprise, there were distinctive genetic markers that linked the Grassi name to a Northern European heritage, particularly Germanic. This particular discovery left me flabbergasted. I had absolutely no prior knowledge of any Germanic roots in my family's history.
Beyond this, the test shed light on potential migration paths the Grassi family might have embarked on over centuries. The genetic markers traced a possible journey from Northern Europe towards Italy, suggesting our ancestors might have been among migratory groups during the era of mass movements of Indo-European languages across the continent.
The discovery of Jewish Sephardic heritage was another unanticipated revelation. Clinching in at 15%, it uncovered a chapter of my family's past that was inconceivable before the test. It indicated likely Sephardic Jewish ancestors who resided in Italy until the late Middle Ages when they were expelled or converted to Christianity.
This newfound knowledge from the iGENEA test has significantly reframed my self-understanding and appreciation of my family history. The Grassi lineage no longer appears as a singular Italian strand but illustrates a fascinating narrative of migratory patterns, survival, and change. This experience emphasized the power of our genetic make-up in revealing surprising insights, challenging assumptions, and enhancing self-awareness.
Y. Grassi