Riding the Ancestral Roller Coaster: A Personal Journey of Discovering the Paris Lineage Through iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Paris
Curious about the ancestry behind my surname, Paris, I decided to explore my roots through an iGENEA DNA test. The revelation that unfolded was nothing short of a roller coaster ride through ancient history and unexpected turns. From my dominant French and Belgian DNA to a surprising alignment with ancient Celtic tribes from the Iron Age, the understanding unfolded layer by layer. This resulted in an astounding explanation for my intrinsic personality traits and my fierce sense of belonging, originating in my ancestral megalithic influences.
The moment I laid my hands on the kit from iGENEA, I was brimming with curiosity and excitement. How could a small test change my perception of my last name – Paris, so familiar on my birth certificate and childhood memories, foreclosure papers, and graduation certificates? But to my surprise, it did and how! A wealth of knowledge, unfolded and shaken up, painted my lineage in hues I couldn't have even imagined.
I was informed that the Paris name is primarily linked to Northern France. I am aware of the Greek mythology connection, wherein Paris was the prince of Troy. However, shockingly no Hellenic or Balkan genes were discovered in my DNA. The majority of my ancestral heritage traces back to Northern France, almost 70%, with heavy influences from Belgium and English counties near the France-England Channel.
In addition to this geographical surprise, the timeline was equally riveting. My Paris predecessors have been long-staying in France. This continuity dates back thousands of years to the Iron Age—giving a twist to the plot, the Gauls. Celtic tribes or Gauls, as mentioned in history, resided in France during the Iron Age. In effect, I am genetically connected to these ancient Celtic tribes.
Dipped in the Celtic brew of tribal love, honor, and war, I discovered more about myself. I found elevated markers for a specific kind of genetic mutation. This mutation, specific to megalithic cultures, who primarily built with large stones. This mutation primarily indicates a strong bond to one's home, a sense of belonging, and an inkling towards social organization.
Before this test, I often found it hard to explain why I felt deeply connected with places more than people. And why I had an unusual interest in ancient cultures and construction methods. Now, it all makes more sense. It turns out that my ancestry, steeped in Celtic, megalithic culture, defines who I am today.
This report is not just about genealogy but a profound connection to my past. A past that corroborates with my love for structures, my desire to lead, and my inclination towards community living. Without realizing it, I have imbibed in me the traditions that my ancestors practiced thousands of years ago. This test stirred an unexpected turn in my life, tying my present existence to my strong lineage. It brought out my inherent qualities, linked to an ancient past, and enhanced my respect for my surname Paris. My ancestors might be long gone, but they live on within me, through me.
E. Paris