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 came to think of the Vikings. I learned that the Vikings' curiosity was a driving force behind their remarkable exploration during the Viking Age, which lasted from the late 8th to the late 11th century. Their curiosity pushed them to travel vast distances - from Scandinavia across the seas to the British Isles, Northern Europe, Russia, and even as far as North America around the year 1000. This curiosity was, I learned, not least about discovery and opportunity. They explored new territories to, for examle, learn about different cultures. The Vikings showed an extraordinary drive to explore new environments and expand their knowledge.  They exemplified curiosity, for example  by being open to new experiences and exchanges.

I was not surprised to discover that nearly 5% of my ancestry traces back to Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Why? For example, I learned that Irish culture is a warm and welcoming nature that has strong traditions in music and dance. What I also appreciate about the Irish culture is the easy going and friendly humor.

I was also delighted to find almost 2% of my roots in Greece. What fascinates me about Greece is not least the pioneering development of democracy in Athens. Athens' direct democracy was, I learned, innovative in redistributing political power directly to citizens, regardless of social status. Political participation was regarded not just as a right but a civic duty intertwined with leading an ethical life, fostering a sense of collective governance and progress in society. Understanding these origins of direct democracy deepens my appreciation for innovation in political systems as well as the ongoing evolution of democratic ideals in promoting inclusive, participatory governance and societal progress.