Grant and I have just done one of those DNA test thingies. Have you ever done one? It’s absolutely fascinating.
I was tad if-ish at first – the whole conspiracy theory thing about surveillance and identity and blah blah blah almost put me off, but my curiosity outweighed it.
As for the results? There weren’t too many surprises on my side – it panned out pretty well to what my mother has found in her family tree research, although she was surprised not to see and French or Spanish a number of generations back (one of my great-grandmother’s relatives had the surname “Jacques”).
That, of course, led me to do a little more research to find out how it works. Because we inherit 50% of our DNA from each of our parents – and the DNA we pick up from them is random – who’s to say what part gets left behind? It’s why if my sisters or brother did the test they could end up with a slightly different result to me.
What was super interesting was how the testing could centre my results as far as regions and communities.
In essence, my ethnicity is below. The Norwegian influence relates to (early) historical influences in the north of Scotland (hello Vikings), while Scotland/Ireland relates more to the north and highlands of Scotland and the north of Ireland ie the Celtic communities.
Drilling down further, my roots are largely from West Cornwall – Poldark country. My ancestors began coming to Australia in the late 1700s and yes, they settled in the south of NSW and north of Victoria.
Interesting isn’t it? And the “matches” that came up are largely people who Mum has found in her research – although this goes so much wider.
Grant’s is equally as interesting with his roots firmly and squarely in northern England and the lowlands of Scotland. He is, however, dirty that I have more Scottish in my DNA than he does in his – even though he was born in Stirlingshire. Whatever.
While my ancestors were on the move in the late 1700s, his, however, largely remained in the same place.
Of course, I’m now fascinated by the whole thing and want to know more of the stories.
I love how this technology is available to us and how it’s improving all the time and getting more and more accurate as it does. Yes, I know there have been some nasty little secrets exposed as a result of DNA tests such as these, but those secrets are also stories and, to be honest, if I listened to all the warnings and what-ifs I wouldn’t take a chance on anything.
Anyways, even though I need another project like I need a hole in the head I think I might stay down the rabbit hole for a bit longer and see where it leads…
Okay, it’s Thursday so that means loving’ life time. You know the drill, click on the link to share what you’re loving about life right now – or to read what others are loving.
And Anyways... 
I’ve pondered doing mine, but there’s no kids who would be interested in the genealogy… so thought it would be more a waste of money. It’s nice that it corresponded to the stuff your mom found in the family tree.
Mum has done heaps of work on our side, but we know very little about Grant’s. My daughter is surprisingly interested now we’ve had it done, but knowing her that interest will last until…tomorrow lol.
Very interesting indeed! I might do that one day. A while back I put a lot of time into researching the family tree and ‘down the rabbit hole’ is a very good term to describe that experience. You can get so caught up in it all. It’s facsinating! I have a bit of everything in me but to see percentages and more detail would be interesting! #TeamLovinLife
I found it fascinating to see where we’re from. Sarah reckons it’s why I loved Tintagel & Padstow – I told her that was just because we went to Rick Stein’s cafe lol
Yup – Rabbit hole for sure….but a fascinating one!!
I began to work on my family tree (via Ancestry.com) while I was still working. BIG mistake. Huge! Those little green leaves almost drove me to distraction. In 2010, I then put this research away until I retired. I’ve been retired for 4+ years now….and am still find ways to avoid this endeavour! 😀
Oh my goodness…the green leaves…
How interesting Jo, and I can understand how you’d be even more interested to find out more. As you say, watch out for the rabbit hole – Hello Alice! I’m sure though that the process might give you food for thought for a new novel perhaps? Happy hunting!
I’m secretly hoping for inspiration…but that’s our little secret…
A fascinating read, Jo. My son recently got a DNA kit for Christmas and shared some surprises with us. My side wasn’t a surprise. I knew that we were Irish and German, but we were sure that my husband’s grandmother was American Indian. After my son did the test, it turned out he hasn’t a trace of American Indian. Sharing this to FB.
Mum was sure we had some French, but when I followed that name back I was still in Yorkshire in the 1700s… Thanks for dropping by.
Hi Jo. Pinned it instead.
This was really interesting Jo! My mother and my husband have done family research over the years so a DNA test might be of use. I like the rabbit hole analogy, it makes complete sense and I also enjoyed the rivalry between you and Grant! Shared for #mlstl
I found it so interesting & as Grant has no information at all about his ancestors it did surprise us a bit to see where his ethnicity is based.
I think I see this appearing in a novel somewhere down the track Jo – it would be a shame to waste so much valuable information! I’ve never been interested in tracing my genealogy but that seems to make me the exeception to the rule because it’s certainly become super popular – especially now the DNA stuff is available.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
I must confess that’s exactly what I’m hoping to find – inspiration for new stories…
Whilst I did get into Ancestry with a paid account for about a year a while ago, I got to certain points with my Dad’s family that were as far as I wanted to go. They are all England/Scotland based. My Mum’s is quite the different story and we have always suspected some Aboriginal heritage but because of the community resistance to acknowledging this AND no record keeping it was frustrating, so we, the family, acknowledge it but that’s it.
Glad you are getting quite a bit out of this and it can only be good for your work as an author too I imagine.
Denyse #mlstl
Wow it’s fascinating! I’m with Sarah, I think this explains your affinity with Cornwall! And how funny that you’re more Scottish than Grant. You’ve got me thinking about my ancestry now – I think it would be a very mixed bag.
Yours would be fascinating! You should do it!
My husband and I did the 23 and Me DNA tests and found it pretty interesting–though not surprising. My results lined up with the genealogical research I have done. However, I did not realize that my sister and I could have different results. I appreciate your simple explanation of how that happens.
My husband, for various reasons, had no idea of his heritage so it was all fascinating to him.
I’ve not done the DNA test but my brother did, and we were surprised by the results. We knew about the immigrant grandparents on both sides, but the actual locations and countries were pretty interesting. I can see how that rabbit hole would just keep going deeper if you decide to learn more! #MLSTL
The regions have been so interesting & then to see when they started to be on the move. Everything you learn is anther layer.
I’ve been doing genealogy alot longer than blogging. It’s time consuming, and you can make an 5 hours go so quick. In my research I have uncovered Pioneers, convicts, aboriginal heritage and royalty. In some lines I have researched to the 1500’s. When ever I travel around Australia I stop in to the heritage museums for research.
Wow! You’ve found out so much. My mother had done the same for years – probably the same way as you have done…through sheer hard graft and following the documentation.