My Family Culture

                

 

This week we were asked to imagine being refugees being sent to another country due to catastrophe that would devastate the infrastructure of our country. We would only be allowed to take one change of clothes and 3 small items small items that are important to you and represent your family culture…

The items posted above are items that I would take with me to my new country to preserve my family culture.  

The African American Santa- Christmas is my favorite holiday that I celebrate with my family. I decorate my home at the beginning of December with African American Santa Claus figurines. I have been collecting them for many years and each year I add a new Santa to my collection. They aren’t easy to find and I enjoy trying to find them each year.

My family recipe book- I have several recipes that have been passed down in my family for many years. I would take the recipes with me to remind me of the traditional family meals that occurred in my home and in the homes of other family members.

Photo Album- Taking a family album would be a must have. Picture taking is very much a part of family events that take place during celebrations in my family. I would take the photo album with me to remind my children about our rich traditions and celebrations that took place in our family.

Arrival to our new county…

After learning that I would only be able to keep one of the 3 items, I would be upset but I would be happy to still have my family with me. Family is so much more important that material things. If I did have to make a choice about the items that I would keep, I would keep the photo album with all the pictures. The photo album would be my choice because I would be able to look at the pictures with my family and discuss the pictures and re-live the happy times that we shared. I would still hold on to my cultural beliefs with my family by remembering what we shared together. The pictures and discussions would be a great way to remember what we had.

Insight…

This exercise really made me think. I really had to think about the small things that I have that represent me, my family, and my culture… Initially I thought it was hard to try to come up with 3 small. The most important things that I thought about is my family. I’m glad that in the exercise I was able to stay with my family. I think about the past and what we’ve learned about the holocaust.. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to board trains and not be with the people you love and not be able to take anything with you.. If anything, this exercise really made me think about what I value, the traditions that are dear to me and what is really important in my life. My family is what is important. Even if I had to give up materials things, I would still have my family..