A question about ancestors...

[Talvikki Wyntersong]

Now, I consider myself a heathen while others may not... But since Suomenusko and Asatru share a bond especially when it comes to honoring one's ancestors, I figured I'd post here.

I am half Finnish, other half is a mix of Danish/German. So I'm basically all Northern European. I only have records of the Finnish side, and can trace my ancestors back to 1899 when they came to America. They are the ones I know the most about. They were wonderful, industrious, hard-working, loving, creative people. They were also very Christian and very involved in their Church.

Wouldn't they be disappointed if I reached out to them as a heathen? I stand for so much that they are against... of course, if I reach far back into my ancestry, they were all pagan, but I feel like I would be offending my more recent ancestors if I choose to honor them in my rituals.

What do you think? I'm sure someone else has this dillema. Should I simply invite those who are comfortable with my religion?

A huge part of my path is honoring my ancestors. This has left me a bit stuck.
Any advice is much appriciated.



~Talvi

[Juniperberry]

Now, I consider myself a heathen while others may not... But since Suomenusko and Asatru share a bond especially when it comes to honoring one's ancestors, I figured I'd post here.

I am half Finnish, other half is a mix of Danish/German. So I'm basically all Northern European. I only have records of the Finnish side, and can trace my ancestors back to 1899 when they came to America. They are the ones I know the most about. They were wonderful, industrious, hard-working, loving, creative people. They were also very Christian and very involved in their Church.

Wouldn't they be disappointed if I reached out to them as a heathen? I stand for so much that they are against... of course, if I reach far back into my ancestry, they were all pagan, but I feel like I would be offending my more recent ancestors if I choose to honor them in my rituals.

What do you think? I'm sure someone else has this dillema. Should I simply invite those who are comfortable with my religion?

A huge part of my path is honoring my ancestors. This has left me a bit stuck.
Any advice is much appriciated.

~Talvi

Honoring your ancestors as a heathen is no different than leaving flowers on a Christian grave. What do you think they'd prefer; to be ignored and forgotten because you're unsure, or honoured and remembered no matter your human ' failings'.

Its a good thing, not a bad thing. They're your blood, relax.

[Juniperberry]

Sorry to double post but I want to add that even if they are uncomfortable with the intent behind your attention, you are restoring an active relationship with them despite the current dynamic, which can evolve and strengethen into something mutually beneficial.

There's always the option of honoring them as a heathen by providing them their religious comforts. A prayer to their god, a cross, attention on their holy days.

Honoring your ancestors as a heathen is no different than leaving flowers on a Christian grave. What do you think they'd prefer; to be ignored and forgotten because you're unsure, or honoured and remembered no matter your human ' failings'.

Its a good thing, not a bad thing. They're your blood, relax.

[hlewagastir]

Honoring your ancestors as a heathen is no different than leaving flowers on a Christian grave. What do you think they'd prefer; to be ignored and forgotten because you're unsure, or honoured and remembered no matter your human ' failings'.

Agreed.

Besides, I think it is important to focus on your more recent ancestry (unless you have some really outstanding dudes further back in the chain), the actions of the recent ancesters are often remembered better by your family and community.
Better to focus on the people that you have stories and information on from living relatives - or from yourself of cause - than go chasing doubtfull heathen ancesters of who little is known.

At sacrifices I hail my dead uncle, my great grandparents (got some knowledge of them from others) and after that I hail my forebears in general (hail to those who were).

[Darkhawk]

What do you think? I'm sure someone else has this dillema. Should I simply invite those who are comfortable with my religion?

I actually knew an Asatru once who de-converted from heathenism as an ancestor-worship practice. She's now a mystical Christian, and her near ancestors are much happier...

[Talvikki Wyntersong]

There's always the option of honoring them as a heathen by providing them their religious comforts. A prayer to their god, a cross, attention on their holy days.

I really like that idea... I can definately use some Christian elements when honoring them. I think it would bring my closer than where I am now, that's for sure. Thank you.

[Talvikki Wyntersong]

Agreed.

Besides, I think it is important to focus on your more recent ancestry

Also a good point. Luckily, we have a book that details my ancestors on my mother's side to my great great grandparents. They are the ones I feel the most strongly about. I honestly feel so proud of them... they went through so much and were such hard-working people. And while they were very Christian... I realize that I can still reach out to them with respect. Thank you for your reply.

Also one thing I didn't mention was that my great great grandfather on my father's side was 100% Native American... Mohican to be specific. So... This is where it gets a little complicated. I have pagan ancestors who walked before me, recent Christian ancestors, and also Native ancestors. Is it okay to combine all that symbolism? :/ Crosses/Christiam symbols, traditional Finnish pagan symbols (the bear, birch trees, tar), and traditional Native symbols (dreamcatchers, totem animals, specific herbs, etc.)... or is that what would make the way I honor my ancestors special?

(A little off topic, but my great great grandmother's name was Hedvig Kaarto. Her last name is Finnish for sure, but I think that Hedvig sounds more Swedish or Norwegian? I wish I knew more about -her- ancestry but I don't.)

-Sorry if I'm asking too much. Don't feel the need to reply to everything.-

[Talvikki Wyntersong]

I actually knew an Asatru once who de-converted from heathenism as an ancestor-worship practice. She's now a mystical Christian, and her near ancestors are much happier...

That's very interesting indeed. I never heard of something like that.

[Juniperberry]

I really like that idea... I can definately use some Christian elements when honoring them. I think it would bring my closer than where I am now, that's for sure. Thank you.

Exactly. If you have children, and they have children and their children have children- won't you care for them even if they are Muslim, Catholic, or Buddhist? They are living your life, the choices you made influencing tradition, location, perspective. You truly don't end, your life continues on, you've just given the controls over to your descendants. And wouldn't it mean so much to you that they honor you with Finnish folklore, art and icons because that's what YOU honored?

[Talvikki Wyntersong]

Exactly. If you have children, and they have children and their children have children- won't you care for them even if they are Muslim, Catholic, or Buddhist? They are living your life, the choices you made influencing tradition, location, perspective. You truly don't end, your life continues on, you've just given the controls over to your descendants. And wouldn't it mean so much to you that they honor you with Finnish folklore, art and icons because that's what YOU honored?

That definately puts a wonderful perspective on this. I agree.