What Is a Family Tree?
A Family Tree or a sample genogram is an illustrative representation of a family's familial roots. It starts from the top of the tree (with the ancestors occupying the top) down to the bottom (newer generations). Pictures of each family member are also placed above their names. Family trees are often keys to understanding where someone is from and perhaps to where they are headed. Both genealogy enthusiasts and interested individuals will enjoy the thrill in discovering a whole generation of siblings and families intertwined by history through the use of a simple family tree.
Inherited diseases are also discovered through family trees as well as other inherited genetic makeup. This would help explain why individuals are the way they are and how they may be inclined to be in the future.
How to Create a Family Tree
The family tree establishes your lineage. Lineage is especially important when talking about inheritance and rights to the property. By law, the next of kin always gets the benefit of the doubt of any claim to rights.
There are countless reasons why you should create your family tree. Here are the tips on how to create one:
1. Gather Information
The first step in creating your printable family tree is to gather information as much as you can. Contact your relatives and grandparents regarding your lineage. Contact as many relatives as you can because one source will not be sufficient if you are planning on presenting several generations back.
2. Start With a Draft
Once you have garnered enough information for your sample family tree, start your draft. Prepare a blank paper and a pencil, to begin with. Give room for mistakes. Also, double-check if you haven't left someone out.
3. Decide on Whether You Want to Start From the Top or the Bottom
Your ancestors will occupy the topmost part of the tree, then followed by the newer generations as it goes the way down. When creating your draft, choose which method is convenient for you. Ensure that the flow and outline are easy for the reader's eyes.
4. Decide If Pictures Are Necessary
Pictures help add identity to your ancestors and living family members. If you can provide photos of your ancestors, then you might as well present images for everyone as well for a uniformed visual. If you are using specialized software like Adobe Photoshop or Apple Pages for creating your family tree, make sure that the pictures' sizes are identical for symmetrical balance. Don't forget their names too!
5. Review and Share
Once you are done with the finalized version of your family tree, don't forget to review it. Review if the names are in their designated positions. Don't forget to check if you got their name spellings right. Once it's polished, share the diagram to your relatives through a presentation or a sharing software.
More often than not, traditions and stories are passed down from one generation to the other through the family tree. Through the stories, generations are being connected and stories remembered just by watching the family tree. Don’t let traditions end and stories be forgotten.