“Tracing the Rocha lineage: An Unveiling Journey through iGENEA DNA Test”
Family name Rocha
Discovering my family history has always been something I was interested in. However, the iGENEA DNA test offered me insights that were both revealing and surprising. My ancestry journey not only validated my Portuguese heritage but also uncovered Sephardic Jewish roots that I was previously unaware of.
Taking the iGENEA DNA test opened a new perspective for me in understanding my ancestry. While I had known that my family name, Rocha, was of Portuguese origin, the insights offered by the DNA analysis were truly astonishing. As per the test, I carry genes not only from the Iberian Peninsula but also have a distinct trace of Sephardic Jewish ancestry. This revelation shook me and urged me to delve into the deeper history of my family wanting to know more about the intermixing cultures.
Previously, my understanding about the Rocha family history was limited to the knowledge conveyed to me by my grandparents. However, with iGENEA's advanced ancestry test, I was led into a fascinating world of knowledge. Notably, the majority of my DNA comprises Southern European genes, which was not surprising considering the Portuguese origin
However, the part of my genetic code showing Sephardic Jewish heritage was quite unexpected. This revelation prompted me to delve into the history of Sephardic Jews in Portugal. I discovered that many Jews had fled Spain during the Spanish Inquisition and taken refuge in Portugal. Regrettably, they also faced expulsion from there later. Many of them converted to Christianity to avoid persecution and continued to live in Portugal. This led to the genetic intermixing that appeared in my ancestry DNA test.
These findings have broadened my understanding of my lineage and have transformed the narrative around my self-identification. I now embrace my Portuguese and Sephardic Jewish background¸ giving me a stronger sense of self. It’s eye-opening how DNA testing can unfold an unexpected past, enlightening an individual.
In conclusion, the iGENEA DNA test has been a door to an untold history, the understanding of which gave me a more profound sense of my heritage. The Rocha lineage brims with resilience and survival, intertwining two distinct cultures and religions, and I am proud to carry forth that legacy.
F. Rocha