DNA

Analyzing my DNA, I learned that I am 93.7% Scandinavian, 4.6% Irish, Scottish, and Welsh, and 1.7% Greek.  Building my family tree, I managed to get information going back in time about 5 generations. Most of my family members, whom I found through family research, lived their lives in Denmark. An exception is the father of my mother's father, Johan Bernhard Christofferson. It is from his mother's side that the name Calberg comes. Johan Bernhard, my great grandfather, was born in Sweden and emigrated from Sweden to Denmark in the 19th century. 

Reflecting on my Scandinavian heritage, I’m often reminded of the Vikings and their extraordinary spirit of exploration. During the Viking Age — from the late 8th to the late 11th century — their curiosity drove them to venture far beyond their homelands. They sailed across the seas from Scandinavia to the British Isles, Northern Europe, and Russia, reaching as far as North America around the year 1000. What strikes me most is that their curiosity was not only about conquering or about trade. The curiosity of the Vikings was, I understand, about a wish to discover and to find opportunity. The Vikings explored new territories to learn about different cultures and ways of life, showing an openness to exchange and adaptation, which was remarkable for their time. Their willingness to embrace the unknown reflects a deep drive to understand the world - a quality that continues to inspire me when I think about curiosity as a force for growth and connection. 

Discovering that nearly 5% of my ancestry traces back to Ireland, Scotland, and Wales did not surprise me. Actually, it felt like uncovering a familiar thread woven into my identity. I admire the Irish culture for its inviting and cheerful nature, where music, dance, and laughter are often part of gatherings between people. The sound of traditional Irish folk tunes speaks to love of connection. What also draws me in is the easygoing humor which, to me, combines playfulness with a gentle humanity. It’s a humor that makes people feel at ease and seen, often turning ordinary moments into shared joy.

Learning that almost 2% of my roots are Greek filled me with joy. Why? What fascinates me about Greece is the pioneering role that Greek people played in the birth of democracy, particularly in Athens. I discovered that Athenian direct democracy was revolutionary in the way it redistributed political power directly to citizens, independent of social class or status. This principle of active citizen participation is also something I deeply value about Switzerland, where I live today. Understanding the Greek origins of direct democracy enriches my appreciation for both historical innovation and its enduring influence on modern governance. It reminds me how democratic ideals — inclusion, participation, and collective responsibility - continue to evolve, fostering societal progress across time and cultures.