The Purpose of a Family Reunion

Family reunions are important business. A Reunions magazine survey of 4,000 readers found 16 percent of respondents reported they were holding their first reunion, 84 percent were having at least their second reunion, and the oldest reported reunion had been meeting for 125 years.

Tradition

A tradition is a long-standing pattern of thought or practice. It comes from a Latin word meaning handing-over or passing-on; nothing encompasses the meaning of tradition more than a family reunion.

New News

Reunions are a time to meet new family members and celebrate family growth. It is also the time for the elders and newest generation to meet.

Old Generation

Every year a family reunion recognizes the matriarchs and patriarchs that have passed on. At a yearly retreat, one goal is to celebrate the older generation and keep their legacy alive.

New Generation

Each year a new generation is born. Children who will one day be family leaders come to the reunion to learn about the name they will be honoring in the future.

Location

For organizers, the right location is important. Reunions magazine found that 68 percent of reunion planners chose their location one year in advance. The beach attracts 17.5 percent of reunions.

References

• Reunions Magazine