Back in May 2020 - which feels like forever ago - I had the opportunity to participate in a 21 Day Family Connections Experiment. The purpose was to connect with family history, connect with family, and to experience how this changes our lives in real time.
It was a great experience and that's why I'll be participating again this month for three weeks. You can join me by going to the Family Connections Experiment website, scrolling down to "Join" and click "I'm in!" This will lead you to register and to take a quick survey.
Once you've joined the experiment, you'll want to
choose a plan to follow for the next three weeks. I'm going to do the "
Cultural Connections Plan" because it's right up my alley. I love learning about cultures and traditions that are new to me. And what better way to connect with my ancestors than to learn about their traditions and their culture?
Which homeland will I be learning about these three weeks? Wales! My surname is Welsh - Williams - and it means "son of William." Though, I suppose it's an anglicized version of "ap Gwilym." You can learn more about Welsh naming traditions by
clicking here.
Why do I want to learn more about Wales? Honestly, it came about rather unexpectedly. I was watching The Crown on Netflix and I saw a spectacular episode titled, "Tywysog Cymru" (meaning "Prince of Wales" in Welsh). I loved how The Crown gave a voice - literally - to the Welsh language and recognition of the ancient culture and history of the Welsh people. Much of the episode was in the Welsh language, which gave me an opportunity to hear Welsh for possibly the first time. Have you heard Welsh spoken?
So guess what I did next? I signed up for Duolingo's Welsh language course for free on the Duolingo app! And I'm now on day 23 of Welsh learning! I know, I can barely believe it either...
I'm certainly well along now on a journey of discovery of my Welsh roots!
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Well, y'all, that's all for now. I hope you'll consider joining me on this 21 day Family Connections Experiment! Which plan is your favorite? If you choose the Cultural Connections Plan, which homeland will you connect with for these three weeks?
Until then, I'll be here learning about all things Wales (Cymru) and Welsh (Cymraeg), connecting with my ancestors and to their homeland!
Your ancestors deserve the best researcher, the most passionate story-teller, and the dignity of being remembered. So let's encounter your ancestors through family history and remember the past made present today!
