Created by Julie Goucher, 2023

On the face of it culture might not have relevance to genealogy or family history. Frequently and more important in our ever changing world, things that are central to our heritage fade into the past. Replicated by the passing of the matriarchs in our families, the individuals that are the glue of our families. 

If I look back at my own family, I am distinctly aware that as one generation fades the next one takes their place. It is easy to understand how 100 years ago if an individual moved away from the family area then they might loose touch, and in doing so sets the wheels in motion for cousins and others to loose track of each other. Whilst that is true, or individuals in my own family, it is even more sad when that happens in our modern time, the time of emails and many social media tools.

It is not just the loosing of that connection, but also the loss of communal knowledge and culture. I was asked recently by someone to define the Sicilian culture. I did so, but later as I reflected on my responses, I realised that I had neglected to share the more important element – culture is in many ways individualistic. 

It is more than feeling a swell in the chest when you hear a national anthem, or national pride when a sports team is the winner as the time whistle blows. It is understanding what makes us British/Italian/French and so forth. As someone who has dual heritage, do I feel more British or Sicilian? or is it a case of feeling less British/Sicilian? Do I feel different when I am with British family or friends, compared with Sicilian. Of course, it is not just about nationality changes, there is even regional differences. Whilst I am from the south east of England and I live in the north east of England, I am very much in tune with my southern roots. 

As genealogists we need to understand the culture of our heritage and our forebears. How important is religion to our families? or the national viewpoint. Going to church in England 150 years ago was important, whereas now in England that is not necessarily the case. How does that compare to life in Italy or Sicily? Is Italy and Sicily one and the same? That might be the same thing to some people, and not to others. For me there is a difference.

Culture is the fundamentals that we identify with, the things that underpin our lives in their various elements. It is also about the sayings, experiences, traditions, some of which might be seen as out of date/touch.