My artifact is my family’s painting of the arbol de framboyán, which in English translates to “flamboyant tree, and it’s a giant cherry tree, with little flowers in the middle. My moms aunt made this painting, and in the bottom right corner you can see her signature, S. Licairac. It’s a symbol of where I come from, the Dominican Republic. It is very common to see similar paintings in a Dominican household, as it is considered the official tree of the Dominican Republic. It also signifies a shared identity and unity. On the island, many people grow the tree on their property, not just because it’s a tree seen commonly, but to symbolize Dominican people, and their identity.  A lot of my family members have this up in their house in their homeland. The framboyán tree symbolizes hope, peace, and pride. This tree is important to me because it represents my background, and how important my culture is to me. The framboyán tree painting has been passed down from many generations. The painting came from the Dominican Republic, and was transported to the United States. This painting holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my ancestry, culture, and my legacy. Originating in the Dominican Republic, this panting made it's way to the Unites States where it now hangs on my wall. This artifact is more than just a painting, but a tribute to the generations before me and our Dominican traditions. 

– SV

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