What Is Family Heritage?

Generations of family contribute to your heritage.

Heritage refers to something inherited from your ancestors. It usually refers to intangible things, such as traditions, history, stories and traits, rather than a physical inheritance (such as money or land).

Traditions

Going on the same vacation each year can be a family tradition.

Gathering at a specific place or for an annual family celebration can be one tradition that is unique to your family. Even little things can become traditions, such as always letting your grandfather tell a story before dessert can be served.

History

Where you come from is part of your heritage.

Your particular family's history becomes a key part of your heritage. Being the child of immigrants, being the child of the family who settled your hometown, being part of a family that moves often--all of these are particular to your own family heritage.

Stories

Family memories are part of your heritage.

The memories and stories that are known only to your family are passed down from one generation to the next and are a special element in creating your family heritage.

Physical Traits

Your heritage can include your looks as well.

Physical traits inherited from your ancestors are also part of your heritage. The "family" nose, the long legs you got from your grandfather, the curly hair that no one but you and your uncle inherited--these are physical representations of your family.

Other Types of Heritage

Even natural elements can be part of your heritage.

Heritage most often refers to family heritage, but it can be used in relation to cultural or natural heritage. Cultural heritage is what you inherit by being part of a particular nationality (like the Hispanic tradition to celebrate the Day of the Dead). Natural heritage refers to the land and environment that is inherited by anyone who lives in that area (for example, the Rocky Mountains are part of any American's natural heritage).

References

• Heritage
• Concepts of Cultural Heritage