The accompanying crucifix hung in my room as a child. I am assuming my mother purchased it locally in Minnesota; it was not an heirloom or anything like that. For the longest time, I always thought of it as merely a symbol of the religion we practiced. Upon further reflection, I realized my forebears’ religious faith actually was a continuation of their culture, brought over from Poland. My mother’s ancestors were Polish. The family wasn’t close; they didn’t talk much about their Old World experiences or traditional Polish culture.  My mother says it was because what they left behind was so terrible, they wouldn’t look back. They wanted to be American. My mother’s grandfather encouraged his family to fully assimilate, although they were part of a vibrant Polish Catholic community in Minneapolis: it seems they spoke Polish during mass but English everywhere else. My grandmother, whatever her reasons, chose against teaching my mother how to cook Polish dishes, speak Polish, or celebrate other Polish traditions. She was, however, raised Catholic. Because of this, our family has celebrated numerous rites of passage such as baptisms and first communions; we observe liturgical seasons and feast days. Despite not learning Polish cooking or other traditions, I am grateful that my immigrant ancestors passed down their faith. Although other traditions and practices were left behind,  the religious freedom they found in America enabled them to continue practicing their Catholic faith.

– Rebecca Scheunemann

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more