In the event of a major catastrophe devastating the
infrastructure of my country and as a result having to evacuate, three things
that I would choose to take that represents my families culture would be an embroidered
baby blanket, a ring, and an old journal.
The blanket is handcrafted with the letter S embroidered
in the middle to symbolize the Smith family. This blanket is passed from
generation to generation. It is said that the baby blanket covers the baby with
angels, including the family members who have passed on to the afterlife, to
protect them from evil spirits.
The ring was worn by the first woman of the Smith family.
This ring is passed from generation to generation from mother to her first born
daughter on her 16th birthday. Unfortunately, I will never be an
owner of this ring being that my mother or grandmother is not the first born.
The journal is more than 120 years old. It’s full of
recorded stories of past events of things from our family history. The writer of
the journal was not very educated but I don’t know if they were an adult or a
child but it is very interesting reading direct experiences of some traditions of
our family from a family member.
If upon arrival I was told that I could only bring one
out of the three things I would be devastated because I would feel as though I
would be losing some of my families’ culture. I think that I would be torn
between the journal and the blanket but I think that I would choose to bring
the blanket. The reason being is that the blanket protects the babies which are
the future of our family’s name. Being that I would not have any else but
stories to tell the future generations, the blanket will protect those who will
carry on a start new traditions for the Smith Family.
Hello Erika,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog and about your three items that you would take with you. I have found it very interesting how your family has passed these items on for so many years. I can definitely see where you would be faced with a tough decision in deciding on one item to keep. It is apparent that these three items have become a strong part of your families culture. I hope that they will carry on in your family for many more generations to come.
Randee
Hello Erika,
ReplyDeleteWow. That is pretty awesome that you have a journal that old that chronicles events from the past. That is a great representation of family culture that can be used now and in the future. I’m sure it is a very interesting read. Great post!