My Family Culture

A description of the three items and what each of these items means to you

A Cookbook- this particular cookbook was given to me by my father and was originally owned by my grandmother.  It has all of the traditional Swedish recipes that my grandmother would cook for us.  Although I was not a fan of some of the recipes, I enjoyed trying everything because I could see the joy in my grandmother’s and father’s face when we all were able to enjoy dishes together from when both of them were growing up.  Even though I do not cook from it often, it seems to be one of those things that I just cannot part with every time my husband and I are trying to consolidate for another move.

Ring- my wedding ring is one thing that I would want to take as it is a daily reminder of the best days in my life and a reminder of the important commitment that I made to the most important person in my life.  It also reminds me of the important job I have as a military spouse, even when we can’t be together I can glance at it and I am flooded with beautiful memories.

A Dala Horse- these are wooden horses originating in Sweden.  They are hand carved and brightly painted horses of all different sizes that children play with.  Although children still play with them they are often used as decorations.  I can remember my grandmother giving me Dala horses to play with when I was young and when I got older, before she passed away, she gave me two beautiful ones that have belonged in the family for years.  I have always imagined explaining what they were to my children someday and watching them play with the horses.  In some sense they remind me of how much I want to be a mother.

Your feelings if, upon arrival, you were told that you could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items you brought with you

I can only imagine that this would be devastating to be forced somewhere new and then be told to give up what few possessions you have.  The whole situation would be very emotional and I would feel as if they were also taking part of my dignity. 

Any insights you gained about yourself, your family culture, diversity, and/or cultural differences in general, as a result of this exercise

At first this assignment seemed very difficult to me because I like to think that material objects do not represent my family culture.  That my family culture is guided by certain beliefs and morals that run deeper than picking an item.  However, my husband was discussing this with me and asked me, what are some items that no matter where we move and it is time to consolidate and pack that I cannot part with.  This is how I thought of these three items and after reflecting on why I cannot part with these items I realized that these are the items that for me represent and celebrate my family culture.